BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment is now accepting applications for $3 million in grants to purchase electric school buses, in a move to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The grants will fund the replacement of diesel buses with electric buses.

“As we build the green economy and a healthier future, our schoolchildren are a great place to start,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain.

Applications are open until February 7, 2025, and can be submitted through the department’s website.

The proposals will be reviewed, with preference given to those demonstrating projected pollution reductions and positive environmental justice impacts.

Grantees will be announced in the spring.

Currently, Maryland schools have over 400 electric buses deployed across nine school districts, with Montgomery County and Baltimore City leading the way.

Montgomery County added 120 buses last year, while Baltimore City added 25.

The Maryland Energy Administration is also seeking public comment on a program to award an additional $17 million for electric school buses.

Awards will be granted competitively, with a maximum amount of $2 million per school or project.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to award up to $965 million in funding nationwide through the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Pixabay