Description: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide $5 billion over five years (Fiscal Year 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with low and zero-emission (ZE) school buses through the Clean School Bus Program (CSB). EPA anticipates awarding about $400 million in this funding round.
There are two sub-programs:
- School District Sub-program (for school district and Tribal Applicants)
- Third-Party Sub-program (for third-party applicants to apply in partnership with school districts, and must serve at least four school district beneficiaries)
Eligible activities include the replacement of existing internal-combustion engine (ICE) school buses with electric, propane, or compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses, as well as the purchase of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) infrastructure and EVSE installations.
The bus replacements will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address the oversized role of the transportation sector in the climate crisis. More information about this is available in EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide Fast Facts on Transportation GHG Emissions.
EPA intends to offer a rebate funding opportunity later this year, similar to the 2022 CSB Rebate Program.
Link to Program Website:
Visit Grants.gov to access the latest Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (Keyword: “csb”; Opportunity Number: “EPA-OAR-OTAQ-23-06”; CFDA or Assistance Listing Number: “66.045”)
Eligible Applicants:
State and local governmental entities that provide bus service, such as public school districts, public charter schools, government entities that provide bus service, eligible contractors that sell or finance clean school buses, nonprofit school transportation associations, Tribes
Due Date:
Applications are due August 22, 2023 (electronically through grants.gov)
Local Match Requirements:
No cost share or match is required.
Webinars/Virtual Meeting:
Information about past and upcoming webinars and events here.
Additional Resources:
- Clean School Bus Program One-Pager (pdf) (October 2022, EPA-420-F-22-028)
- Clean School Bus Program Fact Sheet (pdf) (December 2021, EPA-420-F-21-075)
This summary is based on a review of the Notice of Funding Opportunity issued on April 24, 2023.
Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson, BIL Coordinator at CRCOG, with questions or if you would like additional information about this program.
