Connecticut Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $21.5 Million in Rebates for Clean School Buses across Connecticut

Hartford, CT - Today, members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation announced the recipients of 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebates. The rebates will help selectees purchase over 90 clean school buses in six school districts across Connecticut. The Clean School Bus Program will help Connecticut accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, diesel-fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

“The Connecticut delegation worked together to secure critical funding to help school districts replace diesel-fueled buses with low-emission clean school buses. These funds will help reduce emissions in our state and ensure students in East Hartford and West Hartford breathe clean air, protecting children from asthma and other health conditions on their ride to school,” said U.S. Representative John B. Larson.

"This new funding awarded to Branford by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a testament to our shared commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of our students, combatting climate change, and advancing sustainable energy breakthroughs," said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro. "We must fight climate change and preserve a future for generations to come. Branford, along with the five other Connecticut communities in line to receive this funding, are joining nine school districts the state who have already started to transition their bus fleets through this critical funding provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By reducing air pollution through bus modernization, we tackle the climate crisis, and improve public health.”

“Our students deserve a safe, efficient way to get to school that does not endanger the planet and compromise their future. That’s why I’m thrilled to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Southwest Connecticut by providing nearly $12 million to Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Ridgefield through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. This federal funding will replace existing, gas-guzzling school buses with zero-emission vehicles so families can send their children to school with peace of mind,” said U.S. Representative Jim Himes.

“This $21.5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency will allow six school districts across Connecticut to ditch dirty diesel buses and purchase 91 zero emission environmentally friendly school buses. This incredible investment will save school districts money, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. I am thrilled to see Connecticut schools were awarded these competitive grants and will keep fighting for more federal investments in clean transportation,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“Replacing gas guzzling school buses with cleaner alternatives is key to both tackling the climate crisis and improving the health of our kids and communities,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $21.5 million in rebate funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus program will help towns across Connecticut replace 91 existing buses with zero-emission and low-emission models so our kids, bus drivers, and communities can enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment for years to come.”

“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”

“Today’s announcement helps ensure that six school districts in Connecticut can breathe easier and benefit from the reduced emissions of over 90 clean school buses,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Ninety clean school buses means 90 fewer tailpipes blowing diesel exhaust and particulate matter into our air. It’s a win-win-win-win-win-win-win—cleaner air, healthier environment, fighting the climate crisis, parents not worrying that their kids are breathing in fumes as a diesel bus comes by, clean energy jobs, and school districts saving money. Our Clean School Bus program is making a real difference in the lives of children and families across New England.”

The 2023 Clean School Bus rebates will help selectees purchase 91 clean school buses in six school districts across Connecticut:

• Ridgefield School District has been selected to receive $1,055,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Fairfield School District has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.
• Branford School District has been selected to receive $5,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.
• Bridgeport School District has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.
• West Hartford School District has been selected to receive $4,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase 22 clean school buses.
• East Hartford School District has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.