Michigan awards $35.9mn for 87 new electric school buses
Among the latest recipients, Ann Arbor Public Schools will receive $4.09 million for 10 electric buses, Lansing Public Schools $4.31 million for 10 electric buses, and Van Buren Public Schools $4.08 million for eight electric buses. Smaller districts, including Standish-Sterling Community Schools and Riverview Community School District, received funding for single propane buses and associated infrastructure.
This latest round builds on years of state and federal investment. EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program awarded approximately $13 million in 2019-2020 to purchase 317 electric, clean diesel, and propane buses. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contributed $54 million in 2022 through its Clean School Bus Program for 138 new electric buses across 25 districts. Further CBEG and CSBP rounds in 2024 distributed nearly $70 million, supporting more than 250 additional electric, propane, and natural gas buses.
Together, these initiatives bring Michigan’s total clean-powered school bus fleet close to 900 vehicles, many of which are already in service or awaiting delivery.
The last (fourth) round of CBEG is now open. Schol districts can apply for a total of 44 million dollars to support the purchase of zero-emission school buses and correyponding infrastructure. All applicants need to be handed in before 18 December.
“The commitment by state and federal governments to provide schools with more environmentally friendly buses is good for our children, good for our schools, and good for our communities,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, we are investing in clean-powered school buses, improving air quality, and freeing up schools to invest in the classroom, and advancing the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. These efforts are accelerating Michigan’s transition to a prosperous, healthy, equitable, clean energy future.”
Advocacy groups are supporting districts through the transition. “We have enjoyed supporting school districts as they receive funds to transition their fleets from older, dirtier diesel buses to cleaner, quieter, newer models. This is a win for schools, kids, drivers, mechanics, and the surrounding community,” said Kindra Weid, coordinator of the Michigan electric school bus coalition It’s Electric!.
Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation, added: “Safety on the school bus is my top priority. I want all kids to have a safe ride to and from school, so cleaner air for the kids, drivers, and the greater community is a victory. We are grateful for MDE and EGLE for supporting this transition to cleaner school buses.”
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