The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is increasing its yearly rebate program to offer about $7 million in rebates to replace or retrofit older or used school buses.
For the third rebate program under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act to fund cleaner school buses, the EPA is raising its more than doubling the amount of funding compared to what was provided last year. In 2014, the program gave $3 million, and $2 million in 2012.
The 2015 EPA rebate program also ads the option to implement retrofit technology such as diesel oxidation catalysts and closed crankcase ventilation systems. These can reportedly reduce emissions by as much as 25%.
As with past iterations of the rebate program, fleets can also replace older used school buses with newer models that meet the latest on-highway emission standards. EPA standards for diesel engines decrease pollution output up to 90%.
The EPA will provide funding for up to $3,000 for each retrofit system and between $15,000 and $25,000 per replacement bus, depending on size. Fleets applying for the program can request up to 10 buses for replacement and up to 10 buses for the retrofit option, per application. Fleets with more than 101 buses in operation are eligible to submit two applications.
Both public and contracted school bus fleets are eligible to apply for the program. The rebates are available for replacing school buses with engine model years 2006 or older, or for installing retrofit technology on used school buses with engine model years 1994 to 2006.
EPA will accept applications from Sept. 28 to Oct. 30. For more information and to apply for the program, go here.
