Several Western New York school districts are set to receive millions in federal funding to purchase new electric school buses. The new funding is available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.
A number of districts are slated to receive funding:
- Buffalo City SD: (25 Electric) - $8,625,000
- Pine Valley Central School District - $2,760,000
- Sweet Home CSD: (8 Electric) - $1,600,000
- Bemus Point CSD: (2 Electric) - $400,000
- Springville-Griffith Institute CSD (2 Electric) - $400,000
- Depew Union Free SD: (5 Propane) - $145,000
"This nearly $13 million federal boost will help power schools in Buffalo and Western N.Y. looking to upgrade their fleet with clean, low- and zero-emission school buses, giving our children the clean commute to school they deserve, not to mention cleaner air for the whole community. Dirty diesel exhaust from buses is linked to asthma and many other negative health conditions that impact our children, especially in cities like Buffalo, and this funding will help ensure we are protecting the health of both our children and the environment in Western New York," said Sen. Chuck Schumer. "Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, as the wheels of the school bus go round and round, carbon emissions and pollution are going to keep going down and down. Together we are helping put Buffalo and Western N.Y. on the road to a better and healthier future for our kids and families."
New York is transitioning to 100% zero-emission electric school buses by 2035.
"New York’s continued investment in electric school buses represents a profound leap towards a cleaner future and will safeguard student health by reducing harmful emissions and improving local air quality. As schools begin to make the transition, comprehensive fleet planning can help districts understand their unique needs and best capitalize on this critical funding to help cover charging installation costs," NYSERDA CEO and President Doreen M. Harris said.
It's important to note that Depew Schools requested funding for five propane buses, not electric ones.