Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
EPA, City of Leon Valley, Rep. Joaquin Castro Celebrate Cleanup Work at Bandera Road Superfund Site from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
USEPA News Release:
EPA, City of Leon Valley, Rep. Joaquin Castro Celebrate Cleanup Work at Bandera Road Superfund Site from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 30, 2024) – Today, officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congressman Joaquin Castro’s (TX-20) office and Mayor Chris Riley celebrated the installation of cleanup equipment at the Bandera Road Superfund site in Leon Valley, Texas. The work was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.
“Thanks to funding from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Leon Valley community is finally getting relief from harmful soil and groundwater contaminants at the Bandera Road site,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Our thanks to the Community Advisory Group for their leadership in protecting precious water resources and providing a great example of how community members can organize and contribute to effective communications and cleanup at National Priorities List sites.”
“In 2021, I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring long-needed infrastructure investments and good-paying jobs to Texas,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “Three years later, we’re continuing to see those funds at work in South Texas. The cleanup equipment installed today will remove toxic chemicals from our groundwater, soil, and air and build a healthier future for communities in Leon Valley. I’m grateful to the EPA for prioritizing Superfund cleanup in San Antonio, and I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to address more environmental issues in our community.”
"Our community is grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Citizen's Advisory Group for their successful 20-year effort to identify, contain, and clean up the contamination from PCE (dry cleaner chemicals) at two former dry cleaning operations in Leon Valley," said Mayor Chris Riley.
During the event, RA Nance “flipped the switch” to activate cleanup equipment that was funded and installed through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The equipment will remove perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination from groundwater, soil, soil vapor, and indoor air as outlined in the 2013 Record of Decision for the site. The Bandera Road site was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2007 to address PCE contamination from former dry-cleaning operations.
The Bandera Road site is one of many across the country to receive funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites on the NPL. EPA is using BIL funds to clear the backlog of previously unfunded sites, start new construction projects when they are ready, and accelerate ongoing cleanups at NPL sites.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
###
Wichita man indicted for firing gun during robbery
PRESS RELEASE
Wichita man indicted for firing gun during robbery
Thursday, January 25, 2024
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a man for allegedly discharging a firearm while robbing a business.
According to court documents, Clemente Garcia Jr, 35, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interference with commerce by threats or violence, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Garcia is accused of firing a high caliber rifle while robbing a restaurant on South Seneca Street in Wichita, Kansas, in November 2022.
The Wichita Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Chad Gibson, 50, of Wichita was indicted on one count of theft of government property. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.
Antonio Knight, 25, of Wichita is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case.
Jason Moody, 50, of Coffeyville is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting the case.
Eric Saldana, 37, of Haysville was indicted on three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Barnett is prosecuting the case.
Clifton Weatherspoon, 31, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of possession of fentanyl with intention to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Monday, January 29, 2024
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
TUESDAY: EPA, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Mayor Chris Riley Celebrate Cleanup Work at Leon Valley Superfund Site
USEPA News Release:
TUESDAY: EPA, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Mayor Chris Riley Celebrate Cleanup Work at Leon Valley Superfund Site
(DALLAS – Jan. 26, 2024) On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), staff from the office of Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Mayor Chris Riley will celebrate the installation of cleanup equipment at the Bandera Road Superfund site in Leon Valley, Texas. Funding for the work comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Investing in America agenda.
Members of the media should RSVP to R6Press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
WHAT: Bandera Road Superfund Site Cleanup Work Celebration
WHERE: 6600 Bandera Road
Leon Valley, TX, 78238
(Across from city hall)
WHO: U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance
Leon Valley Mayor Chris Riley
Field Office Staff of U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20)
WHEN: Tuesday, January 30
1 pm
# # #
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Forsyth Man Indicted for Springfield Bank Robbery
PRESS RELEASE
Forsyth Man Indicted for Springfield Bank Robbery
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Forsyth, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing a Springfield bank.
Richard Campbell, 59, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment alleges that Campbell robbed Guaranty Bank, 1905 W. Kearney St., in Springfield, on Jan. 5, 2024.
The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Flight Crew, Forcing Plane to be Diverted to KCI
PRESS RELEASE
California Man Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Flight Crew, Forcing Plane to be Diverted to KCI
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A California man pleaded guilty in federal court today after he was subdued by several passengers and flight attendants when he tried to open the exit door on an American Airlines flight en route to Washington, D.C., forcing the plane to land at Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri.
Juan Remberto Rivas, 52, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of interfering with flight crew members and flight attendants.
Rivas was a passenger aboard American Airlines flight 1775 traveling nonstop from Los Angeles, Calif., to Washington, D.C., which was diverted to Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 13, 2022.
By pleading guilty today, Rivas admitted that he created a disturbance which knowingly intimidated a flight attendant of the aircraft. Rivas went to the front of the plane and was arguing with the flight attendant. Rivas grabbed some plastic silverware and placed the plastic silverware in his shirt sleeve to appear to create a shank. Rivas grabbed a small champagne bottle by the neck and attempted to break the bottle on the counter. Rivas then attempted to open an exit door by lifting the handle.
Another flight attendant grabbed a coffee pot and hit Rivas with it. Rivas was then restrained for the remainder of the flight.
Under federal statutes, Rivas is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Monday, January 22, 2024
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024
Former City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme
PRESS RELEASE
Former City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme
Thursday, January 18, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former city clerk for Merriam Woods, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to a $68,000 scheme to defraud the city.
Breanna N. Gamble, also known as Breanna Delcour, 28, of Ozark, Mo., waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges her with one count of wire fraud.
By pleading guilty today, Gamble admitted that, from Oct. 1, 2018, to Aug. 11, 2019, she engaged in a scheme by which she utilized her position as a city clerk for Merriam Woods to use city funds for her personal benefit, without authorization from the city.
The loss to the city of Merriam Woods that resulted from Gamble’s fraud scheme totaled at least $68,038. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Gamble must forfeit to the government a money judgment in that amount.
As a part of her scheme, Gamble used the city’s credit cards and bank accounts to make personal purchases on numerous occasions, without authorization from the city, including purchases from Amazon, Victoria’s Secret, Walmart, PFI, Buckle, American Eagle, H&M, Ticketmaster, Reliable Chevrolet, Springfield Power Sports, Lululemon, and Ulta.
Gamble admitted that she forged a signature on a $5,500 city check that was used to purchase a motorcycle for her personal use.
In order to conceal her scheme and her use of the city’s funds, Gamble recorded false financial entries and false invoices. Gamble also made misrepresentations to the city’s mayor and board of aldermen, and failed to cooperate with a company hired by the city to conduct a financial audit of the city’s finances.
Under federal statutes, Gamble is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the FBI.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites
USEPA News Release:
Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of lower screening levels, EPA expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Today’s action delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities facing multiple sources of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s environmental justice goals.
“Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil.”
EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level.
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site.
The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water.
From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA’s agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan.
While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Monday, January 15, 2024
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Friday, January 12, 2024
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $9,079,605 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Oklahoma as Part of Investing in America Agenda
USEPA News Release:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $9,079,605 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Oklahoma as Part of Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 10, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Highland CSB 1 LLC and Lawton Independent School District will receive at least $9,079,605 through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help the selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Oklahoma. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
- The Lawton Independent School District is receiving $9,079,605 to purchase 23 clean school buses.
In addition, Oklahoma is expected receive additional funding through third party selectees that are working with multiple states.
- Highland CSB 1, LLC is receiving $31,150,000 to purchase 91 clean school buses in Texas Oklahoma and Louisiana.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“This announcement reflects this Administration’s commitment to protecting children’s health and improving air quality. Replacing diesel buses with clean-burning alternatives will help improve the school day and reduce emissions that impact climate change,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This is especially good news for children in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma. Congratulations to our selectees for their partnership in protecting children and the environment.”
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 and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Oklahoma applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
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 climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded nationally today to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $9,875,000 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Arkansas as Part of Investing in America Agenda
USEPA News Release:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $9,875,000 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Arkansas as Part of Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 10, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection that the Little Rock School Board and Envirotech Vehicles will receive at least $9,875,000 through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help the selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Arkansas. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
- Little Rock School Board is receiving $9,875,000 to purchase over 25 clean school buses.
In addition, Arkansas is expected receive additional funding through third party selectees that are working with multiple states.
- Envirotech Vehicles is receiving $8,570,000 to purchase 25 buses in Arkansas and Texas
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“This announcement reflects this Administration’s commitment to protecting children’s health and improving air quality. Replacing diesel buses with clean-burning alternatives will help improve the school day and reduce emissions that impact climate change,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This is especially good news for children in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma. Congratulations to our selectees for their partnership in protecting children and the environment.”
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 and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Arkansas applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
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 climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded nationally today to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $26,242,108 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Texas as Part of Investing in America Agenda
USEPA News Release:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $26,242,108 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Texas as Part of Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 10, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Envirotech Vehicles, Highland CSB 1, LLC, Lion Electric Co USA, Inc, and the Alief, Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio School Districts will receive at least $26,242,108 through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help the selectees purchase clean school buses in seven school districts across Texas. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
- Alief Independent School District is receiving $7,900,000 to purchase 20 clean school buses.
- Austin Independent School District is receiving $6,250,000 to purchase 25 clean school buses.
- Fort Worth Independent School District is receiving $6,167,108 to purchase 15 clean school buses.
- San Antonio Independent School District is receiving $5,925,000.00 to purchase 15 clean school buses.
In addition, Texas is expected receive additional funding through third party selectees that are working with multiple states.
- Envirotech Vehicles is receiving $8,570,000 to purchase 25 clean school buses in the states of Texas and Arkansas.
- Lion Electric Co USA, Inc is receiving $38,146,757 to purchase 97 clean school buses in Texas and Louisiana.
- Highland CSB 1, LLC is receiving $31,150,000 to purchase 91 clean school buses in Texas Oklahoma and Louisiana.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“This announcement reflects this Administration’s commitment to protecting children’s health and improving air quality. Replacing diesel buses with clean-burning alternatives will help improve the school day and reduce emissions that impact climate change,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This is especially good news for children in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma. Congratulations to our selectees for their partnership in protecting children and the environment.”
“Congratulations to Freer ISD for being awarded federal funding for three electric school buses through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28). “I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, which is allowing districts like Freer to replace their old school buses with new electric ones. This means students can breathe cleaner and healthier air with fewer emissions. Thank you to Superintendent Conrad Cantu, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and EPA Regional Administrator Earthea Nance for working with me to deliver for our students.”
“Still yellow outside, but green inside. While they will look the same, our new, electric Austin school buses will be healthier for both our students and our planet,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Austin ISD is the first school district in Texas pledging to transition its entire fleet from diesel to electric. These new electrics replace diesel buses that create nearly two times more air pollution per mile than an average “big rig” tractor-trailer. This funding adds 25 new buses to what AISD already has underway and 20 for what Del Valle is beginning. The first new AISD electrics will be available this month and means better air quality on the bus, at school, and in nearby neighborhoods—reducing diesel exhaust that’s especially bad for growing young lungs and brains. This significant new funding is reaching Austin despite the 2022 opposition of every Texas Republican in Congress.”
“I’m extremely proud that school districts across Texas Congressional District 35, including Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, San Marcos CISD, and San Antonio ISD, will be receiving EPA’s Clean School Bus Awards,” said Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35). “Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma that can harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. This money from the Biden Administration will help our school districts purchase electric and clean school buses to better-serve students in the heart of Texas.”
“Today’s announcement is a major step forward in San Antonio ISD’s work to reduce emissions and build healthier futures for San Antonio kids and families,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20). “Two years ago, I was proud to vote for the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to bring new resources, including this award, to neighborhoods across San Antonio. I’m excited to see how these new buses will contribute to better air quality in San Antonio, and I look forward to working with the administration to bring more clean bus awards to San Antonio in upcoming funding rounds.”
“Emissions from older diesel school busses contribute to climate change and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among the very students they should be transporting safely,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16). “I am so thrilled to see Canutillo Independent School District selected to receive over a million dollars in federal investment from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program for new electric school buses. As the only representative in our region to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I'm proud the benefits of this transformational legislation will help us continue on the path toward a future that protects the health of El Paso students, school staff, the greater community, and the planet.”
“I am thrilled to see Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds granted to a wide range of projects, especially the funding that will make it possible for Alief ISD in my district to purchase 20 electric school buses,” said Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7). “This is one of many ways the Biden administration and Congress are working with our communities to reduce emissions and invest in our future.”
“The Rio Grande Valley will benefit from this historic investment, providing our school districts with a much-needed bus fleet while also curbing carbon emissions,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34). “Thanks to funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Santa Maria Independent School District will be able to procure electric school buses and ensure cleaner air for students and staff in our community.”
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 and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Texas applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
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 climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded nationally today to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.