MENU
SEARCHDespite the president's rescinded executive order for a federal funding pause, school districts and fleets cannot access payment portals to withdraw awarded dollars from the Clean School Bus and Heavy-Duty Vehicles programs. WRI offers advice.
WRI offered advice and resources for school districts that were awarded the EPA's Clean School Bus or Clean Heavy-Duty funding, which is facing uncertainty.
Photo: SBF/Canva
On Jan. 28, President Trump issued an executive order that sought to freeze certain federal grant funds. A federal judge blocked the order, and it was rescinded the following day.
Funds from the Clean School Bus Program and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program appear to be on pause for award disbursement anyway.
Emergency motions filed claim that the Trump administration has yet to distribute Congress-approved funding from the Inflation Reduction Act or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, known as the bipartisan infrastructure law.
An email sent from the World Resource Institute's (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative today stated that school districts and other fleet operators are unable to access their payment portal to draw down their awarded funds.
"There’s a lot we don’t know, and the situation remains fluid," the email read. "We know this is an uncertain time and while we don’t have all the answers, we’re here to serve as a resource as you continue to pursue your electric school bus projects."
WRI recommended awardees this guidance in the meantime:
Retain documentation of your award, including downloading or taking screenshots of your funding status or any inability to access your payment portal.
Adhere to all existing award obligations and compliance terms, including meeting deadlines and filing required reporting.
Contact your elected officials and request they advocate for the release of awarded funding for electric school bus projects. For more information, email ESBinfo@wri.org.
Reach out to WRI to update portal status or schedule a call to talk with their team for support.
The Alliance for Electric School Buses also offered some guidance and phone and email scripts for contacting Members of Congress if you're experiencing this issue.
Just today, WRI sent another email sharing an update that funding recipients have reported that the payment portal is now open, and funds can once again be drawn down. However, it notes: "We have not heard of the payment portal reopening for rebate funds awarded through the third round of CSBP funding, called the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. And while we have heard from some recipients that access to the CHDV payment portal has been restored, that may not yet be the case for everyone."
Electric school buses are hitting the road in greater numbers as fleets expand, infrastructure catches up, and mileage accumulates.
Read More →
At its annual rally, the organization spotlighted propane and electric school bus advancements while recognizing leaders driving forward-looking student transportation.
Read More →
From federal oversight fixes to state funding milestones and district deployments, the transition to cleaner school transportation continues to advance.
Read More →
The gasoline-powered bus features the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine and industry-first compression brake, joining the OEM's C2 powertrain lineup for 2026.
Read More →
Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.
Read More →
InCharge Energy has expanded into Canada through partnerships with RocketEV and Foreseeson, aiming to deliver end-to-end EV charging infrastructure and support for fleet and public-sector customers.
Read More →
Canada’s first electric school bus report card finds that most provinces are failing the transition away from diesel buses used for student transportation.
Read More →
From EV charging growth to V2G testing and new bus deployments, districts and providers advance alt-fuel goals amid challenges.
Read More →
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
The EPA will open a 45-day comment period and is planning a March 3 webinar as it reshapes Clean School Bus funding for 2026.
Read More →
