Article Summary –
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with the Michigan Department of Education, is providing $35.9 million to 23 school districts for the purchase of 87 electric buses and 10 propane buses as part of the Clean Bus Energy Grant Program. This initiative, which supports the state’s sustainability goals, is part of a broader effort funded by both state and federal resources, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Bus Rebates program, aiming to replace older diesel buses with cleaner alternatives and improve air quality for communities. The program is aligned with Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, and has already awarded over $81 million for 900 buses, with applications for an additional $44 million in funding due by December 18.
A new collection of clean energy-powered school buses is set to transform Michigan schools, propelling the state toward its sustainability goals.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with the Michigan Department of Education, announced on Oct. 13 in a press release that 23 school districts will receive $35.9 million to purchase 87 electric buses and 10 propane buses.
This funding stems from the Clean Bus Energy Grant Program, a partnership with the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation.
“Cleaner air benefits children and their communities,” said interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. “We are pleased to collaborate with EGLE to make Michigan greener.”
The clean bus initiative launched in May 2024 to help schools replace diesel buses with clean energy options. Public schools can receive up to 70% of the cost for electric school buses and infrastructure, with high-need districts eligible for an additional 20%.
This is the third round of funding from the Clean Bus Energy Grant, totaling over $81 million for 900 buses. As of Oct. 13, some buses are still to be acquired.
Michigan’s clean bus expansion is backed by federal and state funds. Previous support includes $13 million from EGLE for electric, clean diesel, and propane buses, along with $54 million from the U.S. EPA’s Clean Bus Rebates, funded by President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“State and federal efforts to provide eco-friendly buses benefit our children and communities,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Under Governor Whitmer, we are investing in clean-powered buses, enhancing air quality, and advancing the MI Healthy Climate Plan for a sustainable future.”
In 2020, Whitmer instructed EGLE to draft the MI Healthy Climate Plan to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. New clean energy laws in 2023 have accelerated this timeline by 10 years.
Michigan school districts and clean energy advocates are supporting the shift to renewable energy.
“School bus safety is my top priority,” said Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation. “Cleaner air benefits kids, drivers, and communities. We appreciate MDE and EGLE’s support for cleaner buses.”
Here is a complete list of schools and districts awarded grant funding from the latest round of Clean Bus Energy grants:
- Anchor Bay School District: $984,738 for three electric buses.
- Ann Arbor Public Schools: $4.09 million for 10 electric buses.
- Athens Area Schools: $2.05 million for five electric buses.
- Buchanan Community Schools: $161,530 for four propane buses.
- Chippewa Valley Schools: $3.48 million for 10 electric buses.
- Dearborn Academy: $334,001 for electric charging infrastructure.
- Ferndale Public Schools: $1.078 million for three electric buses.
- Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: $60,343 for one propane bus.
- Gwinn Area Community Schools: $52,816 for one propane bus.
- Lansing Public Schools: $4.31 million for 10 electric buses.
- New Haven Community Schools: $78,927 for two propane buses.
- North Branch Area Schools: $1.28 million for four electric buses.
- Pellston Public Schools: $1.71 million for five electric buses.
- Riverview Community School District: $57,294 for one propane bus.
- Southfield Public Schools: $3.72 million for 10 electric buses.
- Standish-Sterling Community Schools: $57,339 for one propane bus.
- Stockbridge Community Schools: $3.49 million for six electric buses.
- Traverse City Area Public Schools: $600,000 for two electric buses.
- Troy School District: $961,330 for two electric buses.
- Union City Community Schools: $2.18 million for six electric buses.
- Van Buren Public Schools: $4.08 million for eight electric buses.
- West Bloomfield School District: $308,741 for one electric bus.
- Westwood Heights Schools: $778,669 for two electric buses.
Applications for a final round of awards up to $44 million are due Dec. 18.
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