Moulton Announces $5 Million Federal Grant for Hamilton Wenham Regional School District to Invest in Zero Emission Buses

Salem, Mass. - Congressman Seth Moulton joins the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) to announce that the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District will receive almost $5 million in federal funding to replace 17 diesel buses with new zero-emission buses to reduce air pollution.

The project, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Moulton helped to pass in 2021, will directly improve the air quality for students, staff, and community members and reduce district transportation costs.

"I'm thrilled that the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District will receive nearly $5 million in funding to replace diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles. This federal funding will not only reduce transportation costs, but it will improve air quality and reduce harmful pollution. Everyone in the community, especially students, is going to benefit from this investment. I'm proud to partner with the EPA as we work toward building a healthier, more sustainable future," said U.S. Representative Seth Moulton.

Across the nation, over 3 million Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles are currently in use. Many of these are older vehicles that emit higher levels of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, and greenhouse gases than newer vehicles. This pollution is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, among other serious health problems. Children, older adults, those with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, and those of lower socioeconomic status are particularly vulnerable to these health impacts.

EPA's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will accelerate the adoption and deployment of eligible Class 6 and 7 zero-emission vehicles.

The $4,989,500grant will be used to replace 17 Class 6/7 diesel buses with Class 6/7 zero-emission buses to reduce the district's emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and greenhouse gases (GHGs). The project will directly improve the air quality for students, staff, and community members and reduce district transportation costs. In addition, the district plans to leverage a public private partnership with Highland Electric Fleets to ensure cost-effective use of EPA funding and successful implementation of the project.

In total, 70 applicants across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory to receive over $735 million to assist in the purchase of over 2,400 zero-emission vehicles through its first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.

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