Beaverton Schools Getting 50 “Clean School Buses” Thanks To Federal Grant

Portland, Ore. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant allocation of funds for Oregon and Washington to enhance their school bus fleets. A total of $51,148,500 will be granted to facilitate the purchase of 144 clean school buses across urban and rural areas in the region.

The breakdown of funding and bus allocations in the Pacific Northwest is as follows:

• Beaverton School District in Oregon is set to receive $19,750,000 to acquire 50 buses.
• First Student Inc. is allocated $16,500,000 to purchase 46 buses for deployment in both Oregon and Washington.
• RWC Group will receive $11,148,500 to procure 33 buses, serving various locations in Washington.
• Walla Walla Public Schools in Washington will be granted $3,750,000 for the acquisition of 15 buses.

The announcement is part of the larger EPA Clean School Bus Program, where a total of nearly $1 billion will be distributed to 67 applicants nationwide to support the transition to cleaner and more environmentally friendly school buses.

EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller emphasized the agency’s commitment to partnering with local school districts to improve air quality and promote the health of children in the Pacific Northwest. The initiative aims to address the respiratory risks associated with diesel particulates, particularly affecting children.

Governor Jay Inslee expressed enthusiasm for the awarded funds, emphasizing the positive impact on children’s health and well-being. Inslee highlighted the positive outcomes observed with electric buses, including a reduction in asthma attacks and a more conducive environment for students.

Governor Tina Kotek acknowledged the importance of the Clean School Bus grants in enhancing air quality, protecting student health, and contributing to the state’s efforts to combat climate change in Oregon.

Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, Jeff Merkley, and Ron Wyden expressed their support for the program, emphasizing the need to replace outdated diesel buses with cleaner alternatives. They emphasized the potential reduction in air pollution around schools and the financial benefits for school districts.

The Clean School Bus Program is expected to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, result in cost savings for school districts, and improve air quality. The replacement of older diesel buses aims to address health concerns, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities.

The funding distribution in the Pacific Northwest aligns with broader efforts to upgrade school bus fleets, promote sustainability, and create a cleaner transportation system. The EPA Clean School Bus Program is a vital component of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing a total of $5 billion for the initiative. Today’s grants represent the second round of selections in the newly established program, with additional funding rounds planned for the future.