EPA to Revamp Clean School Bus Program and Expand Fuel Options
The agency is seeking public input on gas, hydrogen, and biofuel options for school fleets while canceling the 2024 rebate funding round.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a plan Thursday to revamp the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program, opening a formal inquiry into how school districts can access a wider variety of fuel and technology options.
The agency is initiating a 45-day public comment period through a Request for Information (RFI). The move is designed to gather data from manufacturers, fleet operators, and school officials regarding the cost, availability, and performance of various bus technologies.
While previous funding rounds under the program focused heavily on electric models, the EPA indicated the updated program will place a greater emphasis on a broader range of fuel sources. These include biofuels, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the agency is seeking to reform the program to ensure fiscal responsibility and provide school districts with more choices to meet their specific transportation needs. The agency noted that it intends to use the information gathered from the RFI to finalize the structure of the 2026 grant funding round.
As part of the transition to the new framework, the EPA announced it will not award funds through the 2024 CSB Rebate Program. Agency officials encouraged previous applicants to apply for the upcoming 2026 grant cycle. A formal Notice of Funding Opportunity, detailing eligibility and requirements for those grants, is expected soon.
The 45-day comment period includes an informational webinar scheduled for March 3 to assist stakeholders with the RFI process.
The Clean School Bus Program was established to replace older, higher-emission buses with cleaner models to protect student health and improve air quality.
