EPA and Philadelphia Leaders Celebrate $17 million federal investment for clean school buses

EPA and Philadelphia Leaders Celebrate $17 million federal investment for clean school buses

October 9, 2024

PHILADELPHIA - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz joined leaders from across Philadelphia to highlight and celebrate nearly $17 million in federal investments to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) through EPA's Clean School Bus program.An electric school bus is seen at Robert E. Lamberton Elementary School in Philadelphia, PA.

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA Clean School Bus Program will provide $5 billion over five years to replace older, diesel fleets with zero emission electric school buses. SDP received nearly $17 million from the program through two awards, allowing them to directly benefit from these historic, once-in-a-generation investments that protect students, communities, and the environment. These funds will allow the district to purchase up to 45 new electric school buses.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has made it clear that transitioning to new, cleaner, zero emission school buses should be the American standard," said Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. "Across Philadelphia, up to 45 new electric school buses will be quietly transporting kids to and from school, reducing tailpipe emissions, and allowing all those who live or work along these routes to breathe easier. We applaud the School District of Philadelphia for putting public health and the environment first."

The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, Sr., Ed.D and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon each outlined the public health, environmental, and financial impact these investments will have across the city.

"Philadelphia is grateful to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for making these critical investments in our City and in our schools," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Our School District will increase its fleet of school buses by 45 more vehicles, thanks to this $17 million in funds from the Biden-Harris Administration. The EPA's Clean School Bus program will help our schools lower tailpipe emissions and modernize its fleet. We're grateful to President Biden, Vice President Harris, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and all our federal partners who supported this grant."

Students are standing in front of a new electric school bus along with Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, Sr., Ed.D and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon.

"I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make sure our kids could get to school safely. That means not only repairing our roads and bridges, but also upgrading our school buses to safer, cleaner models," said Rep. Scanlon. "I'm glad to see the School District of Philadelphia tapping into this federal funding that will help create a healthier future where all of our children can breathe clean air and save our school districts money at the same time."

"We are pleased to be leading the way here in Philadelphia as we grow our zero-emission vehicles fleet and create cleaner and healthier environments for our children," said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. "We are grateful to the EPA and our elected officials who are helping us secure these additional funds as we continue to advocate for adequate and equitable funding for our students."

To learn more about EPA's Clean School Bus program, including information on the FY24 rebate round now open until January 9, 2025, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

To learn more about the School District of Philadelphia's environmental efforts, visit: https://www.philasd.org/greenfutures/

Adam Ortiz EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator speaking at a podium in front of an electric school bus.

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