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Naperville 203 Awarded $1,000,000 for the Clean School Bus Program

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 is among 28 school districts across Illinois selected to benefit from the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. Our district has been awarded $1,000,000 to purchase five clean school buses, including the necessary charging infrastructure and other eligible expenses. This is a huge step towards making our community healthier and safer.

The Clean School Bus Program, launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is all about speeding up the transition to zero-emission vehicles in schools across the country. By replacing older diesel buses, this initiative helps cut down on harmful pollutants, leading to cleaner air and better health for everyone—especially our students.

 In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million for the 2023 Clean School Bus rebates, with the application period closing in February 2024. The response from school districts was overwhelming, so the EPA doubled the available funding to nearly $1 billion. This third round of funding builds on the almost $2 billion already invested through the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants, pushing forward efforts to improve air quality and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Naperville CUSD 203’s new clean school buses will make a big difference by providing a healthier and safer way for students, bus drivers, and school staff to get around. By cutting down on diesel pollution, our district is moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.