LCV and Chispa Statements On Latest EPA Clean School Bus Program Rebate Investments

For Immediate Release

May 29,  2024

Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230

En Español: Elena Gaona, egaona@lcv.org, 202-907-9717

Washington, D.C.— In response to today’s announcement from the Biden-Harris administration to invest nearly $900 million in school districts from the EPA Clean School Bus Program rebates, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements:

“More than 60% of this award funding will help ensure low income, rural, and Tribal communities — communities historically excluded from investments and impacted by toxic air pollution — are on track to cleaner air and more good paying, clean energy jobs while protecting our planet for future generations,” said LCV Government Affairs Advocate on Climate Change & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “As demand for zero-emissions buses continues to surge, the most recent investments from the Biden-Harris administration are nearly double the amount planned and build on awards announced by EPA earlier this year, so more children across the country have a cleaner ride to school. LCV applauds the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to deliver on their commitments to tackle the climate crisis and ensure communities with low wealth are prioritized in these critical investments.”

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“The success and demand for the electric school bus funding shows that these investments are a critical step for children across the country to have access to healthier, cleaner rides to school, no matter their income or zip code,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “Toxic tailpipe pollution harms our children of color and children in low-wealth communities who are already the most impacted by the climate crisis with higher rates of respiratory illness and other health issues. Chispa will continue to organize to ensure all communities, especially communities of color, lead a healthier and cleaner energy future.”

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