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A bi-fuel Dodge Ram (Blossman Gas) that operates on
propane and gas alongside a Chevy Silverado EV RST
truck. Both were available for attendees to view.

Tammy Edwards pictured with one of Tuscaloosa City Schools propane school buses. Tammy answered questions
and shared insights from her experience as a propane school bus driver.

Above: EV on display.
Left: Casey Foster (ACFC)
discusses the project
and explains how ACFC
uses their experience and
unbiased data to help
entities identify the best
options, find funding, and
Laural Bunn (APGA) and Tammy Edwards pose for assist with planning a
a quick picture while discussing typical bus route
lengths and propane bus ranges. smart transition to clean
transportation.
EP A Announces $965 Million in Funds f or Clean School Bus P r ogr am
EPA Announces $965 Million in Funds for Clean School Bus Program
he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) With this program, Propane projects can
recently released the third round of its Clean receive between $20,000 - $35,000 in funding per bus,
School Bus Rebates Program making $965 mil- with ADA compliant buses qualifying for an additional
Tlion in funding available to incentivize and ac- $20,000 in funding per bus. The funding is available for
celerate the replacement of existing school buses with public and charter school districts, regional education
clean school buses, including propane buses. Accord- service agencies, joint transportation agencies, tribal
ing to NPGA, the new program shows an incremental schools, and third parties to apply for up to 50 buses
advancement towards parity with electric buses over per application. To be eligible to receive funding for
previous funding programs. With this program, pro- propane buses, applicants must scrap a MY 2010 or
pane bus funding stayed the same while electric bus older diesel school bus. This program does not allow
bus funding was reduced by up to $30,000 per bus. applicants to purchase vehicles before being selected

With so much funding available, APGA, PERC, for an award. The program guidance and application
and NPGA are encouraging eligible entities to apply. In process differ from prior EPA school bus rebate pro-
October, PERC sent mailers to 91 school districts in Al- grams. To learn more about the program and read the
abama that met the prioritization criteria. PERC Indus- updated guidelines click here. The submission deadline
try Relations Coordinator, Faith Hofma said, "If more is January 9, 2025, by 4 p.m. EST.
propane projects apply we are able to increase the To learn more about the program so you can
chances of securing a larger share of propane buses." speak with school districts in your area about the op-
Increasing the number of propane buses in Alabama portunity, join PERC on November 4, 2024, from 2:30
would significantly decrease harmful emissions, lower pm - 3:30 pm EST for their Clean School Bus Rebate
operational costs for those who transition, and would Webinar. If you have additional questions, please
leave schools more money to invest in the wellbeing of contact NPGA Director of Regulatory Affairs Kate Gazia-
their educators and the children they teach. no.■

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