Rep. Sewell announces $16.9 Million in EPA rebates for clean school buses in Alabama

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Selma) recently announced $16,910,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in rebate funding for clean school buses in Alabama.

The rebates will help schools purchase over 51 clean school buses in 10 school districts across the state. EPA's Clean School Bus program was created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will help Alabama accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which the administration claims have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

Rep. Sewell was the only member of Alabama's Congressional Delegation to vote in favor of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again delivering for Alabama!" said Rep. Sewell. "Not only will this funding reduce pollution and make our communities healthier, but it will also save our school districts money and free up resources to invest in the success of our students. I was so proud to make this program possible and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for this investment into Alabama's schools."

School districts selected for rebates in Alabama's 7th Congressional District include:

Selma City has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses for the Lion Electric Co USA Inc.

Montgomery County has been selected to receive $690,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses for the Lion Electric Co USA Inc.

Other Alabama selectees include:

The Alabama Aerospace and Aviation has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses for the Student Transportation of America, Inc.

Clay County has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses for the Transportation South, Inc.

Fort Payne City has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses for the Transportation South, Inc.

Gulf Shores City has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses for the Navistar Inc.

Huntsville City has been selected to receive $ 8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses for the First Student, Inc.

Jasper City has been selected to receive $690,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses for the Transportation South, Inc.

Lanett City has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses for the Lion Electric Co USA Inc.

The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation's fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.

Proponents claim that the Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. They claim that diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school. The administration claims that phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

Proponents claim that the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the alleged climate crisis. Proponents claim that the program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

Terri Sewell was elected to Congress in 2010.