$91 Million In Clean School Bus Program Rebates Announced

A Clean School Bus Program is taking another step toward achieving cleaner air thanks to more than $91 million in rebates for California schools. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that the funds will go toward purchasing 380 clean school buses in 47 school districts. The federal program replaces older, diesel-fueled school buses with the goal of improving children’s health while tackling air pollution.

For school districts across the state, the rebates will help schools transition to zero-emission buses, which can help reduce greenhouse gases while improving public health and saving districts money that can be used toward education. 

Let’s take a look at which districts received funds, as well as what services may be needed to dispose of the old diesel engines.

Which School Districts Were Awarded School Bus Rebates?

The EPA has selected the following school districts for the FY2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Funding, according to a news release from the organization:

• Alameda Unified has been selected to receive $1,135,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Alhambra Unified has been selected to receive $2,090,000 in rebate funding to purchase eleven clean school buses.
• Arcadia Unified has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Atascadero Unified has been selected to receive $1,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase over seven clean school buses.
• Aveson School of Leaders District has been selected to receive $650,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Baldwin Park Unified has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Cabrillo Unified has been selected to receive $1,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Cajon Valley Union has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Caruthers Unified has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Centinela Valley Union High has been selected to receive $2,690,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Centralia Elementary has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Chaffey Joint Union High has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.
• Compton Unified has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Earlimart Elementary has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Elk Grove Unified has been selected to receive $5,520,000 in rebate funding to purchase sixteen clean school buses.
• Fresno Unified has been selected to receive $6,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Fruitvale Elementary has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Galt Joint Union Elementary has been selected to receive $660,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Galt Joint Union High has been selected to receive $420,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Leggett Valley Unified has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Liberty Elementary has been selected to receive $265,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Los Banos Unified has been selected to receive $2,415,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Midway Elementary School District has been selected to receive $690,000  in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Montebello Unified has been selected to receive $4,235,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Old Adobe Union has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Ontario-Montclair has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses.
• Orange Unified has been selected to receive $4,505,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Palisades Charter High District has been selected to receive $3,450,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Paradise Elementary has been selected to receive $2,295,000 in rebate funding to purchase fifteen clean school buses.
• Rim of the World Unified has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Roseville City Elementary has been selected to receive $440,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Sacramento City Unified has been selected to receive $2,440,000 in rebate funding to purchase eight clean school buses.
• Saddleback Valley Unified has been selected to receive $1,530,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Salinas City Elementary has been selected to receive $1,505,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• San Dieguito Union High has been selected to receive $800,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• San Mateo Union High has been selected to receive $950,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.
• Santa Barbara Unified has been selected to receive $5,080,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Selma Unified has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Sierra Unified has been selected to receive $800,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Simi Valley Unified has been selected to receive $1,980,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Stockton Unified has been selected to receive $6,900,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty clean school buses.
• Valley Center-Pauma Unified has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Ventura Unified has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Walnut Valley Unified has been selected to receive $2,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase eleven clean school buses.
• Wasco Union Elementary has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Whittier Union High has been selected to receive $3,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase seventeen clean school buses.
• Winters Joint Unified has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

Will More School Bus Rebates Be Available?

The popularity of the Clean School Bus Rebate Program has soared, with an “overwhelming number of applications” received from school districts nationwide, according to the EPA. In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million for funding for the rebate program, but after receiving a large number of applications from communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA increased funding to nearly $1 billion. To date, more than $2.7 billion in funds have been awarded, with more than 8,500 buses projected to be replaced.

The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and will make additional announcements as selections are finalized.

The EPA is also still accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until July 25. This program offers up to $932 million in available funding. The EPA anticipates that 70% of that funding will help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses, though vocational vehicles like delivery trucks, utility trucks and other box trucks are eligible as well. Applicants must be a state, municipality (including a school district), Indiana Tribe or non-profit school transportation association.

What Happens To Old Diesel Engines?

As school districts, municipalities and other organizations eligible for these rebates and grants swap out their diesel engines for environmentally-friendly zero-emission engines, there’s the question of what happens to the old diesel engines.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, internal combustion engines containing a flammable or combustible liquid fuel are classified as hazardous material. An internal combustion engine’s fuel tank also meets the definition of a hazardous material, as does waste diesel fuel. 

There are some exceptions, but if you’re a school district, municipality or other organization swapping out your diesel engine for zero-emission vehicles, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to dispose of any waste legally and safely.

Hazardous waste disposal companies can assist in properly handling and disposing of old diesel engines, fuel tanks and any residual diesel fuel. These companies are equipped to manage the various components classified as hazardous materials, ensuring they are treated, recycled or disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. 

The top hazardous waste disposal companies may also offer services like draining and cleaning the fuel tanks, dismantling the engines, and safely transporting and processing the hazardous waste. 

Partnering with a certified disposal company not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also plays an important role in your efforts to protect the environment and students’ health.