School buses travel over four billion miles each year, providing the safest transportation to and from school for more than 25 million American children every day, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, diesel exhaust from these buses has a negative impact on human health, especially for children, who have a faster breathing rate than adults and whose lungs are not yet fully developed.

The 2018 School Bus Rebate Program will offer over $9 million to public and private fleet owners for the replacement of old diesel school buses with new buses certified to EPA’s cleanest emission standards. EPA will award selected applicants $15,000-20,000 per bus for scrapping and replacing old buses.

Eligible Entities

• Regional, state, or tribal agency that has jurisdiction over transportation and air quality, including school districts and municipalities
• Private entities that operate school buses under a contract with an entity listed above
• Fleets with up to 100 school buses may submit one application listing up to 10 buses for scrappage and replacement
• Fleets with more than 100 school buses may submit up to two rebate applications, each listing up to 10 different buses for scrappage and replacement

Eligible Old School Buses to be Replaced

• Used to transport 10+ pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to school or homes
• Driven 10k or more miles over the last 12 months or in use 3+ days/week during the school year
• Owned by applicant without any active liens
• Class 3-8 diesel-powered buses [greater than 10,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)]
• Buses powered by 2006 or older model year engines must be replaced with buses powered by a 2017 or newer model year engine
• Engine and chassis must be scrapped before receiving rebate payment

Information from US Environmental Protection Agency website

Learn more about the rebate program, your eligibility, requirements and deadlines by going to https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-rebates.