The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new information on its Clean School Bus Rebate Program.

The program, set to kick off in late April, will provide $500 million in rebates for eligible recipients. More funding can be made available if needed. In a webinar today, the EPA revealed the rebates will be awarded via a lottery system. Half of the total rebates given will go to zero-emission buses only; the other half will be for a mix of zero-emission buses and low-emission school buses.

The amount received by all entities in a state cannot exceed 10% of the total amount awarded each fiscal year.

In the coming weeks, the EPA will release program including specific eligibility information for applicants, as well as a prioritized applicant list and EPA cost share. Applications for the rebate program will be open for three months. To prepare for the program, the EPA is encouraring applicants to talk to their utilities now, as well as create a fleet inventory to determine which buses are best suited to meet their needs. The EPA offers an inventory spreadsheet tool to help.

Other steps to prepare include:

• Sign up for email news alerts about the Clean School Bus Program.

• Attend an informational webinar.

• Set up all required accounts. For example, you’ll need an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration for the applying entity. Be sure to include points of contact, including electronic business or government business contact with a valid email address.