EPA awards $7 million in school bus rebates
The third round of DERA rebates will go toward replacing or retrofitting 400 older diesel school buses in 35 states.

The third round of DERA rebates will go toward replacing or retrofitting 400 older diesel school buses in 35 states.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than $7 million in rebates will go toward replacing or retrofitting 400 older diesel school buses.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the funding recipients on Friday. Eighty-five school bus fleets in 35 states were awarded rebates, which are funded by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
As previously reported, this is the third rebate program under DERA to fund cleaner school buses. The $7 million funding level for the 2015 program is more than that of the past two editions combined — it was $3 million in 2014 and $2 million in 2012.
Applicants replacing school buses with engine model years of 2006 and older will receive rebates between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the size of the bus. This year, applicants also had the option of retrofitting buses with a diesel oxidation catalyst plus closed crankcase ventilation system to reduce emissions.
“Schools and other organizations that install clean diesel technology are doing more than just saving money — they’re creating cleaner, healthier air for children and all community residents,” said Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “This program continues to help thousands of children breathe easier and lead safer lives year after year.”
To see the list of 2015 DERA school bus rebate recipients, go here.
More Alternative Fuels

Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Power Up Beyond the Bus
See how districts are pairing electric buses with charging, solar, and V2G technology to cut costs, boost resilience, and unlock new fleet value.
Read More →
What the EPA’s Updated Clean School Bus Program Means for Fleet Electrification in 2026 and Beyond
A guide to the EPA’s evolving school bus grants, including how the Trump administration changed funding priorities and how school districts can prepare for future bus purchases.
Read More →A Solution Helping School Buses Charge Without Major Infrastructure Upgrades
Power Innovations International dishes on its EV charging technology designed to reduce infrastructure barriers, improve reliability, and support V2G applications for school bus fleets.
Read More →
New Eagle Launches All-in-One EV Control Platform
The new OpenECU NX3 platform integrates charging and vehicle controls into a single platform, with support for megawatt charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies.
Read More →
GreenPower Unveils New Heating Solution for Type A Bus
The all-electric bus manufacturer's new product aims to eliminate cold-cabin issues on its Nano BEAST zero-emission school buses operating in cold climates.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Plug In for the Long Haul
School districts across the U.S. are moving electric school bus plans into operation, with new fleet deployments, charging infrastructure, and long-term electrification partnerships taking shape.
Read More →The Achilles Heel of School Bus Electrification: BetterFleet’s Take
BetterFleet’s managing partner discusses AI-powered EV fleet management, vehicle-to-grid challenges, and the real challenges in bus electrification today, from ACT Expo.
Read More →
You're On Your Own to Pick a Drivetrain [Op-Ed]
After years of federal pressure toward electric school buses, districts are suddenly being told to choose their own path. Let’s explore the risks, realities, and politics behind school bus drivetrain decisions.
Read More →Wattson: Thomas Built’s Largest EV School Bus Yet
Check in with Mark Childers on the new Wattson Type D electric school bus, featuring faster charging, expanded passenger capacity, and advanced safety technology.
Read More →The New Era of Electric School Buses: V2G, Bidirectional Chargers & More
The Mobility House discusses AI-powered charging, vehicle-to-grid technology, smart energy management, and the next phase of school bus electrification.
Read More →
