California is continuing its push towards cleaner transportation by offering school districts and educational entities the chance to replace outdated diesel school buses with zero-emission vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced a new $500 million Zero-Emissions School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) program, which will add 1,000 zero-emission buses to the state’s fleet.
Application Details and Funding Availability
Applications for this funding, which also covers charging infrastructure costs, are open until September 30, 2024. Schools can receive up to $375,000 per bus, plus an additional $95,000 for infrastructure setup. This initiative complements the state’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and mandates that all new school bus purchases be zero-emission by 2035, or 2040 for rural districts.
California’s Leadership in Clean Transportation
California leads the nation in the adoption of clean buses, with over 1,100 zero-emission school buses already on the roads and another 1,200 on the way. This effort is part of the larger agenda to modernize infrastructure and improve public health, especially for children who are particularly vulnerable to diesel exhaust.
Eligibility and Priority for Funding
Eligible applicants include public school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education. Prioritized funding will go to smaller districts and those serving disadvantaged communities. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the California Energy Commission’s website.