AQMD OKs $30 million to purchase zero-emission school buses to replace older, polluting models

South Coast Air Quality Management District governors have approved $30 million to help communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution replace older school buses with new, zero-emission models, the agency announced today.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce air pollution, including smog-forming nitrogen oxides and particulate matter — tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Reducing exposure to these pollutants is especially critical for children, whose lungs are still developing and who are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

Zero-emission school buses help create cleaner air around schools and along bus routes, improving long-term health outcomes for students and surrounding communities, according to the SCAQMD.

Eligible existing school buses must be diesel-compressed natural gas-or propane-fueled, have a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,501 pounds, be currently registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and comply with the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulations.

Buses must also have a valid California Highway Patrol certificate at the time of application, with continuous CHP safety certificates for at least the past two years. Existing buses must be crushed or dismantled upon replacement, the agency said.

The SCAQMD’s AB 617 Clean Community School Initiative is an incentive program supporting school-related projects in overburdened communities identified through the program. Applicants must be the operators of privately owned school buses contracted with and servicing public school districts within the identified communities.

The application deadline is April 7.

Applications may be made on the agency’s AB 617 Community Action Plan Incentives page at aqmd.gov/cleancommunityschools.