The EPA's Clean School Bus Program
- Brooke Dudley
- Jul 20, 2024
- 6 min read
Electric school buses are becoming an increasingly popular topic in the transportation industry, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and the push for more sustainable modes of transportation. This has led to the federal government taking notice and offering funding opportunities for electric school buses through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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What is the EPA Clean School Bus Program?
Funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA's Clean School Bus Program allocates $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace traditional school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models powered by alternative fuels. Eligible applicants can receive up to 100% funding for the cost of replacement buses, as well as associated charging equipment or fueling infrastructure. Alternative fuels supported by the program include electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, and propane.
In response to overwhelming demand for electric school bus funding through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates and 2023 Clean School Bus Grants, the EPA launched a third round of funding in September 2023. This $500 million rebate program allows applications until February 14, 2024. With nearly $1 billion already awarded, the program marks a significant milestone in providing cleaner, healthier transportation for children. As of October 2024, the program has funded more than 8,000 electric school buses in school districts with more than 16 million students across the nation.
Benefits of the EPA Clean School Bus Program
There are many benefits of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, including improvements in air quality, combating climate change, saving costs, and contributing to power grid resiliency.
Improves Air Quality
Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses triggered by diesel particulates, so electrifying school bus fleets not only safeguard kids' health but also secures a healthier future for them. According to Jay Inslee, the Governor of Washington, the benefits of the program are already making noticeable differences in kids' health. He said "We’ve seen tremendous benefits to our kids’ physical and mental health. Not only do we see fewer asthma attacks because of electric buses, we also see calmer, happier kids because they no longer have to shout to hear each other over noisy diesel engines.”
Combats Climate Change
The EPA says the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from all of these new buses will also help to ‘address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis’. The EPA claims that if half of all school buses in the country switched from diesel to electric, about 2.1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) could be reduced annually (even when accounting for emissions from electricity generation), effectively accelerating the push towards decarbonization. With diesel buses contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions, transitioning to electric school buses will greatly reduce the environmental impact of student transportation. This is a crucial step in combating climate change and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Cost Savings
While electric buses may have higher upfront costs, they offer significantly lower operating and maintenance expenses compared to diesel buses. For instance, regenerative braking systems in electric buses reduce wear and tear on brakes, extending their lifespan. Moreover, the reduced need for oil changes, fuel, and engine repairs translates into substantial savings for school districts. These cost reductions free up valuable resources that can be reinvested into schools, making electric buses a smarter, more sustainable choice for transportation.
Contributes to Power Grid Resiliency
Electric school buses have the potential to do more than transport students- they can also act as mobile energy storage units, supplying power to the grid and local communities when not in use. These buses often remain idle during periods of high renewable energy production, such as sunny afternoons in the summer, making them ideal for storing excess solar energy. With advancements in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, their bidirectional batteries can store surplus energy and return it to the grid during times of peak demand. This innovative approach positions electric school buses as a valuable asset in supporting sustainable energy systems.
This function of battery storage facilities becomes crucial with the integration of more renewable energy sources into the grid because renewable energy is intermittent—the wind blows and the sun shines, generating power through solar panels and wind turbines, but not always when consumers need electricity. As more renewable energy sources are added to the grid, energy storage technologies like V2G batteries can store surplus energy, and then send it back to the grid when it is needed most.
Electric school buses come with steep upfront costs, often costing two to three times more than traditional diesel models. However, these costs can be partially offset through programs that allow buses to supply power back to the grid. This not only helps ease the financial burden of transitioning to electric school buses, but also enhances grid reliability and resilience. It’s a win-win for school districts, utility providers, and the environment.
FAQ's About the EPA Clean School Bus Program
This program presents a unique opportunity for school districts and universities to save money and get involved with climate change efforts. Explore some commonly asked questions about the program below:
1. Who is Eligible for the EPA Clean School Bus Program Funding?
Eligible applicants include government and education organizations. The EPA can award up to 100% of the cost of the replacement bus, charging equipment, or fueling infrastructure.
2. What Types of Fuels do the New Buses Operate On?
The new electric school buses can operate on electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, or propane.
3. How Does the EPA Clean School Bus Program Benefit Students?
The program helps improve air quality by reducing diesel particulates that can cause respiratory illnesses among children. It also contributes to a healthier environment and helps combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. What Are the Benefits of Electric School Buses Compared to Traditional Buses?
Electric buses have lower operating and maintenance costs compared to diesel buses, offering long-term savings on fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, electric buses can potentially supply power back to the grid, providing a new revenue stream.
Montgomery County Clean Energy Bus Depot
In June 2024, Montgomery County, Maryland, broke ground on the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot near Rockville, marking a major step towards sustainable public transportation. This cutting-edge facility will support up to 70 electric buses, powered by a solar canopy and battery storage system. By transitioning from diesel to electric buses, the county aims to reduce lifetime emissions by 62%—equivalent to over 160,000 tons of greenhouse gases over the next 25 years. Backed by innovative engineering from Arup, this project is a model for clean energy solutions in public transit.
The 5.5-megawatt microgrid will boast a solar array, electric bus chargers, battery storage and a hydrogen electrolyzer powered by solar panels. It’s also self-contained allowing independent operations during power outages. Specifically, the microgrid will include:
5.65 MWDC of rooftop and canopy solar generation
2 MW/6.88 MWh battery energy storage
Up to 2.25 MW of charging capacity
1 MW hydrogen electrolyzer
Software tools and IoT-connected hardware
According to the Montgomery County Government, the microgrid will not only support on-site production of green hydrogen, a resilient fuel source for FCEBs, but also contribute up to two megawatts (MW) of renewable energy back to the utility grid through a Pepco net metering program.
With increasing concerns about air pollution, climate change, and the need for sustainable transportation solutions, electric buses are becoming an increasingly popular option for cities around the world. In addition to benefits such as improved air quality and cost savings, advancements in battery technology are making electric buses a viable option for long-distance travel as well.
As we continue to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in clean energy, the widespread adoption of electric buses will play a significant role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come. So, while Rockville's microgrid project may be the largest in the nation now, it is only one step towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future. In fact, many major cities have already committed to transitioning their entire bus fleets to electric by 2030 or sooner. With this momentum, it is clear that electric buses are not just a passing trend, but rather the future of public transportation.
How Can Schools and Universities Contribute to Clean Energy Production?
Schools and Universities have an opportunity to drive sustainability and support clean energy initiatives by leasing their properties for solar or wind energy projects. LandApp's marketplace allows property owners and government organizations to list assets such as land, rooftops, or parking lots for renewable energy development—including solar, wind, EV charging, and energy storage—completely free of charge. A nationwide network of renewable energy developers actively uses LandApp's platform to identify potential projects and submit competitive lease offers. By listing your educational organization's property on LandApp, you can maximize its value while contributing to clean energy solutions.
