Local districts get electric bus rebates
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 30th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ten school districts in Oregon are receiving more than $22.6 million to replace a total of 96 older school buses with new electric (or propane) buses. Older diesel buses have been linked to asthma and other conditions that are harmful to the health of students and communities.
Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller said the grants will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff.
The Pendleton School District will receive $4,165,000 in rebate funding for 13 electric school buses. The Morrow County School District is getting $2.8 million dollars in rebates for 14 electric school buses. The Umatilla School District has been chosen to receive $1.6 million in rebate funding to purchase eight electric school buses.
The EPA says it will make more funds available this year as there is a small group of applicants who are still engaged in the application review process. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the Clean School Bus program website.
