EPA Announces $111 Million in Funding for New York State to Upgrade School Bus Fleet and Revitalize Communities

NEW YORK – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is investing $111 million to address polluted sites and put clean school buses on the roads across New York State. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide the majority of this historic funding through two transformational programs. Nearly $96 million will be provided through EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate program to replace existing school buses with cutting-edge, clean and electric models. About $15 million, including $9.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, will be awarded through EPA’s Brownfields program to assess and clean up polluted sites.

EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia made the announcement on the shores of Lake Erie in Buffalo, New York, alongside Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore and Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz. U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy and local community leaders joined the event. The gathering of officials and award selectees marked a celebration of these historic investments at the end of a multi-state trip around Lake Erie that highlighted the far-reaching and lasting impact these investments promise for communities.

“Kids deserve a clean ride to school, and people deserve clean and healthy neighborhoods. For many New York communities, this also means a healthy lake or river front and a safe path to get there,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Today’s announcement shows how EPA is investing in Buffalo's communities and its kids and highlights the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s ability to deliver transformative results in underserved communities throughout New York.”

“This $111 million federal surge will help revitalize New York communities by powering schools across New York with clean, low- and zero-emission school buses and boosting localities to clean up contaminated eyesores across the state. This major fed funding will give our students the clean air on the ride to school they deserve, while also injecting new life into blighted brownfield sites for reuse and redevelopment, opening the door to new economic opportunities,” said Senator Majority Leader Schumer. “From Buffalo to the Bronx, we are putting our kids, families, and communities on the path to a healthier and brighter future thanks to the historic investments from our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.” 

“Transitioning to a zero-emission school bus fleet not only represents our commitment to a greener future but shows our commitment to the health and well-being of the next generation. New York communities are benefiting from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, including this substantial funding to help school districts make the switch to electric buses. Thank you to President Biden and our partners at the EPA for supporting New York's investments to reduce pollution and build healthy communities," said Governor Kathy Hochul.

“As the former Chair of the New York State Senate Transportation Committee, I made transitioning our school bus fleet to zero emissions a priority,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “With this latest funding, parents and students can breathe easier know they on safe, clean, electric buses. I’m also pleased to see new funding coming to Western New York to help clean up our industrial legacy of lake and river pollution, ensuring that environmental justice communities can enjoy access to our region’s most important natural resource. Thank you to President Biden for continuing to fight for families and our future.” 

Clean School Bus Rebate Program

To further modernize New York’s school transportation, EPA has selected 47 communities to benefit from rebates totaling about $95.7 million for the purchase of over 350 electric buses and five propane buses. Of this total, the Buffalo School District is slated to receive over $8 million to purchase 25 buses. The Clean School Bus Rebate program provides upfront payments to eligible entities to subsidizes buying zero-emission or clean school buses, fund the necessary charging infrastructure, and pay for related expenses like professional training. Recipients get the money upfront to ensure a smooth purchasing process.

School Districts in New York that will benefit:

School District: Organization Name	Total Buses	Total Rebate
Alexandria Central School District	2	$420,000.00
Arlington Central School District	1	$145,000.00
Belleville-Henderson Central School District	1	$345,000.00
Bemus Point Central School District	2	$400,000.00
Bethlehem Central School District	6	$1,200,000.00
Buffalo City School District	25	$8,625,000.00
Canajoharie Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Colton-Pierrepont Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Connetquot Central School District	10	$2,000,000.00
Copenhagen Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Depew Union Free School District	5	$145,000.00
Downsville Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Fairport Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Haverstraw-Stony Point CSD (North Rockland)	10	$2,000,000.00
Hyde Park Central School District	17	$3,400,000.00
Ithaca City School District	4	$800,000.00
Jericho Union Free School District	10	$2,020,000.00
Kings Park Central School District	4	$690,000.00
Lafayette Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Lansingburgh Central School District	22	$7,590,000.00
Margaretville Central School District	1	$345,000.00
Mexico Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Moriah Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Nassau Boces	1	$145,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 2	21	$6,305,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 3	21	$6,225,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 4	21	$6,225,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 7	25	$8,625,000.00
New York City Geographic District #23	25	$6,625,000.00
New York City Geographic District #25	25	$8,625,000.00
North Colonie CSD	2	$290,000.00
North Shore Central School District	6	$1,200,000.00
NYC Chancellor’s Office	25	$6,625,000.00
Pine Valley Central School District (South Dayton)	8	$2,760,000.00
Plattsburgh City School District	1	$345,000.00
Queensbury Union Free School District	4	$800,000.00
Saranac Central School District	2	$400,000.00
Sauquoit Valley Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Scarsdale Union Free School District	4	$800,000.00
South Glens Fall Central School District	10	$2,000,000.00
Spencerport Central School District	2	$400,000.00
Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District	2	$400,000.00
Sweet Home Central School District	8	$1,600,000.00
Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns	5	$1,020,000.00
Union Springs Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Van Hornesville-Owen Young Central School District	1	$200,000.00
Westbury Union Free School District	10	$2,020,000.00

For more details about rebate selections, visit EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program webpage.

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants

Accelerating the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in New York, EPA has selected 13 communities that will receive $15.3 million. One of the winners, Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust, will receive a $500,000 Brownfield grant to assess three neighborhoods with environmental justice concerns in the City of Buffalo with the goal of improving water quality and connecting underserved community members to the lake and river waterfronts. EPA will provide the majority of this funding to New York communities through a $1.5 billion investment into Brownfields sites from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, designed to fast-track site assessments and cleanups, promoting environmental justice.

Grant selectees in New York are:

Organization	Location	Amount
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency	NY	$500,000
Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust	NY	$500,000
Family Services, Inc.	Poughkeepsie, NY	$4,970,806*
Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Inc.	NY	$500,000
Gloversville	NY	$1,000,000*
Greene County	NY	$1,500,000
Livingston County	NY	$1,500,000
Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation	NY	$500,000
Niagara County	NY	$1,500,000
RLF Supplemental	Community-Wide
Orange County Industrial Development Agency	NY	$500,000
Seneca County	NY	$1,500,000
Sullivan County Land Bank Corporation	NY	$300,000
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Inc.	Bronx	$500,000

* Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding + RLF Supplemental Funding is non-competitive funding for existing, high-performing RLF recipient

To see details about the grantee selections, visit EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicant webpage.

What They’re Saying:

"Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped get done, is delivering real-life improvements for the people I serve. Upgrading to clean electric energy school buses that save money and are funded with our federal dollars, and not school taxes, are what we need to undo the years of environmental damage and move our country forward," said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

“From implementing clean transportation to addressing decades of pollution, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are creating a sustainable future across New York State,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). “Today we are yet again making historic investments in electric school buses to help school districts across the state make the transition to clean energy, while also providing critical funding for communities to remediate and reverse pollution. As New York's representative on the House of Representatives’ Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden – I am proud to see federal funding supporting a cleaner and healthier future for our students, families, and neighborhoods.”

"No child should be exposed to the harmful impacts of pollution on their daily ride to school. That’s why I am proud to celebrate the EPA’s announcement of $111 million in transformative funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver clean school buses to students across our state and begin to address the crisis of brownfield sites that have, for too long, marred the health of our communities. I am grateful to have partners like Regional Administrator Garcia and the EPA fighting for the resources our students need to reach the futures they deserve," said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09).

"Building the future our children will inherit starts now," Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) said. "I applaud President Biden and the EPA for using the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in electric school buses and to clean up pollution sites across the State. We will work together to ensure a cleaner, greener future for children and families."

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for NY! Today, I’m proud to join the EPA in announcing that NYC School Districts #2 and 3 in Manhattan have been selected for a combined $12 million in Clean School Bus funding to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air for students and our communities. Altogether, this funding will allow for purchasing and maintaining 42 new electric school buses.” said Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12).

“I commend EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia on today’s announcement furthering the agency’s investment to ensure a clean school bus fleet for New York State,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “The Clean School Bus Program is accelerating our transition to zero-emission and clean school buses by replacing older buses with electric and clean school bus replacements. These upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead to cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and will have tremendous positive impacts on the communities that the buses drive through each day.” 

“It is essential that our kids have safe, healthy spaces to learn and our communities have clean, pollution-free neighborhoods,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “We are facing a climate catastrophe that disproportionately impacts our most marginalized communities who have experienced redlining and institutional discrimination. We have a responsibility to our young people, who will inherit the world we create for them, to make bold investments in climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental justice. This $111 million investment to address polluted sites and put clean school buses on roads across New York is an important step forward for children and communities throughout the state. I’m proud to join EPA Administrator Lisa Garcia and my colleagues in celebrating this funding. We must keep pushing for transformational legislation to invest in safe, healthy, clean spaces for everyone, especially our kids.”

“As Ulster County Executive, I brought a fleet of green buses to our communities. From energy cost savings to cleaner air to help our kids breathe easier, our communities are reaping the benefits,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (N-18). “I’m proud that this funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing those benefits to Hyde Park and Arlington, too. I’ll keep working every day for every single family in the Hudson Valley to have the cleaner air they deserve.” 

“Investing in the health and vitality of our environment and the safety of our young people are two of the greatest investments we can make,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25). “This $111 million in federal funding for New York State—a significant portion of which I helped secure in Washington through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—will help improve transportation and infrastructure here in Rochester and provide peace of mind for families. I’m grateful to Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia and the Biden Administration for their ongoing commitment to investing in projects to protect and restore our environment, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Learn more about EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate program.

Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields program.

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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EPA Announces Funding Update for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Flood Prevention in Cahokia Heights/Metro East, Illinois

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it had developed a comprehensive list of drinking-water, wastewater and flood-prevention infrastructure funding and projects for the Cahokia Heights/Metro East, Illinois, area. At the request of Rep. Nikki Budzinski, EPA worked closely with more than 35 stakeholders to compile for the first-time information about how the communities have identified funding needs, accessed funding, and developed and completed projects.    “This matrix is one critical tool to address the flooding, wastewater and drinking water issues in the Metro East area,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “While these issues will not be solved overnight, knowing what funding and projects are available to the Metro East area is a crucial step in making progress.”   “I’m thrilled to join the Environmental Protection Agency as they release a new funding matrix that brings unprecedented transparency to our response efforts in Cahokia Heights,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “For the first time in decades, we have local, state and federal officials working together in a coordinated response to the environmental health and safety crisis in Cahokia Heights. This major step forward would not have been possible without the appointment of a full-time federal coordinator through the EPA. I’m so grateful to Administrator Michael Regan for granting my request for this position and I thank Beth Murphy for the thoughtful and collaborative work to make this funding matrix a reality. These issues won’t be solved overnight, but I look forward to working closely with our incoming coordinator, Betsy Nightingale, to build on this progress as we continue to elevate our response to this crisis.”  “For far too long, Metro-East residents have endured dangerous sewage flooding during rain storms because of dilapidated water infrastructure in the region.  This is a public health crisis that has been decades in the making,” said Sen. Dick Durbin.  “My colleagues and I have worked alongside EPA to address these serious flooding concerns, as well as spoken directly to community leaders and residents.  Today, we are launching a new ‘matrix’ to assist Metro-East communities in tracking federal investments allocated to improve water and flood-prevention infrastructure.”    “The Cahokia Heights community has been saddled with inhumane conditions for decades,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth said. “My office, along with the offices of my Congressional colleagues, have been working together on a comprehensive approach to bring an end to this suffering. While our work is far from done, this EPA Region 5-created project funding database can help us understand the progress made and what still needs to be done. The cross jurisdictional oversight and information of this matrix will be critical as we continue to work toward a safe, reliable, equitable future for the people of Cahokia Heights and the surrounding areas.”  Cahokia Heights is a town in Southern Illinois that faces numerous environmental challenges. Community advocates and residents raised their concerns to U.S. EPA, including their concerns about environmental justice. The Agency is committed to work toward environmental justice, which is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.  The information in the spreadsheet will be updated and circulated on a routine basis. EPA collects voluntarily provided details for funding and projects and will continue to rely upon stakeholders to keep the information current. A copy is available to any requestor after they acknowledge disclaimers and rules of engagement. To request access, please email EPA’s Cahokia Heights coordinator, Betsy Nightingale, at nightingale.elizabeth@epa.gov.   EPA will host webinars to answer questions on June 5th from 12:00-1:00 PM CST and June 15th from 6:00-7:00 PM CST. EPA is also planning an in-person meeting and will be announced at a later date.  ###

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $29,495,000 in Rebates for Clean School Buses Across Georgia as Part of Investing in America Agenda

ATLANTA, GA. (May 29, 2024) – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will help selectees purchase over 22 clean school buses in six school districts across Georgia. The Program will help Georgia accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

• Atkinson County has been selected to receive $210,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses for the Blue Bird Body Company.

• Baldwin County has been selected to receive $2,070,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses for Baldwin County Board of Education.

• Brooks County has been selected to receive $315,000 in rebate funding to purchase 9 clean school buses for the Blue Bird Body Company.

• Clayton County has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses for the Clayton County Public Schools.

• Dekalb County has been selected to receive $8,625,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses for the Dekalb Co Board of Education.

• Douglas County has been selected to receive $5,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses for the Georgia Green Energy Services Llc.

• Hall County has been selected receive $625,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses for the Blue Bird Body Company.

• Jeff Davis County has been selected receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses for the Jeff Davis County School District.

• Madison County has been selected receive $175,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses for the Blue Bird Body Company.

• Oglethorpe County has been selected receive $100,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses for the Blue Bird Body Company.

“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
 

“Clean transportation investments will have lasting impacts on protecting clean air for the environment,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow children across the Southeast to breathe cleaner air and communities will reap tremendous health benefits.” 

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for our communities. The latest Clean School Bus Program investments will help Clayton County Public Schools deliver safer, healthier rides for students. As a parent, I know a healthy environment is key to student success. I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration and EPA Administrator Regan for a cleaner, brighter future for all children in Georgia—no matter their ZIP code, no matter their bank account," said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05).

“I couldn’t be happier and prouder that DeKalb County Schools is receiving another $8.6 million for 25 clean school buses through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and to recognize and celebrate all the progress the Biden Administration is accomplishing – in conjunction with Democrats in Congress – when it comes to creating a cleaner environment, green economy, and healthier children,” Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) said.

“Through the bipartisan infrastructure law, we are delivering upgraded school buses to help Georgia kids get to school more safely and to reduce air pollution. I will keep working to deliver the best for Georgia’s children,” Senator Ossoff said. “I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and EPA Administrator Regan for their continued collaboration as we lead Georgia forward.”

In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.

This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

The EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

The EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses this year. There is a small subset of tentatively selected applicants still engaged in the application review process. EPA is working with them and will notify these applicants of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the CSB webpage.

EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering nearly $1 billion in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses.  EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Program

The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.

###

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Biden-Harris Administration announces over $3 million in rebates for electric school buses across Idaho

BOISE (May 29, 2024) – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. In Idaho, Boise Independent School District was selected to receive $2,760,000 in rebate funding to purchase eight electric school buses and Horseshoe Bend School District was selected to receive $400,000 to purchase two electric school buses. This funding will help Idaho accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older diesel school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

“EPA’s Clean School Bus Program is a breath of fresh air for our students, schools and communities,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Diesel pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health, with impacts felt disproportionately in communities of color and Tribal communities. Clean School Bus grants provide much-needed resources for school districts to upgrade aging fleets, replacing diesel buses with new zero-emission and clean school buses. Pulling older diesel buses off the road will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff.”

In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities and Tribal nations, EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.

This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states, along with several federally recognized Tribes. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding.

EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses this year. There is a small subset of tentatively selected applicants still engaged in the application review process. EPA is working with them and will notify these applicants of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the CSB webpage.

EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until July 25 – with EPA offering nearly $1 billion in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses.  EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $16.7 million in Rebates for Clean School Buses Across Maryland as Part of Investing in America Agenda

Contact Information:
EPA Press Office (R3Press@epa.gov)

PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2024) – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will help selectees purchase over 53 clean school buses in five school districts across Maryland. The Program will help Maryland accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

• Baltimore County Public Schools has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase over 25 clean school buses.

• Prince George's County Public Schools has been selected to receive $5,215,000 in rebate funding to purchase over 15 clean school buses.

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,320,000 in rebate funding to purchase over six clean school buses.

• Allegany County Public Schools has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

• Charles County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase over six clean school buses.

“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”

“Today’s announcement will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.”

In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.

This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

The EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.

The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses.  EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Program

The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/YeMdXpB

La administración Biden-Harris anuncia los beneficiarios de casi $900 millones para autobuses escolares limpios en el marco de la agenda presidencial de inversión en Estados Unidos

WASHINGTON — Hoy, 29 de mayo, la Administración Biden-Harris anunció los beneficiarios del concurso de descuentos del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023 de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU., financiado por la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden. La EPA seleccionó aproximadamente 530 distritos escolares que abarcan casi todos los estados, Washington, D.C. y varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses para recibir casi $900 millones en fondos destinados a reemplazar los autobuses escolares más antiguos que funcionan con diésel y que se han relacionado con el asma y otras afecciones que dañan la salud de los estudiantes y las comunidades circundantes.

Estos reembolsos ayudarán a los distritos escolares a comprar más de 3,400 autobuses escolares limpios, 92% de los cuales serán eléctricos, para acelerar la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones y producir aire más limpio dentro y alrededor de las escuelas y comunidades. Gracias a las múltiples oportunidades de financiamiento de subvenciones y descuentos del Programa hasta la fecha, la EPA ha otorgado casi $3 mil millones para financiar aproximadamente 8,500 reemplazos de autobuses escolares en más de 1,000 escuelas.

El administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan, el presidente y director ejecutivo de la NAACP, Derrick Johnson, y el representante federal Bennie Thompson se unirán a escolares, líderes de distrito y miembros de la comunidad en Jackson, Mississippi, más tarde hoy para hacer el anuncio y destacar cómo el programa reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a las escuelas y protegerá mejor la salud de los niños, especialmente en las comunidades que ya están sobrecargadas por la contaminación. La inversión también impulsará la demanda de baterías y vehículos fabricados en Estados Unidos, impulsará la fabricación nacional y creará empleos bien remunerados para los estadounidenses.

“El presidente Biden cree que todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de llevar una vida saludable y respirar aire limpio, y su agenda de Invertir en Estados Unidos está diseñada para ofrecer precisamente eso”, señaló el administrador de la EPA Michael S. Regan. “Con la última ronda de financiamiento de hoy, estamos transformando la flota de autobuses escolares de la nación para proteger mejor nuestra carga más preciada, nuestros niños, ahorrando dinero a los distritos escolares, mejorando la calidad del aire y reforzando la fabricación estadounidense, todo al mismo tiempo.”

“Agradezco a la Administración Biden-Harris por ampliar las oportunidades de proporcionar autobuses escolares limpios a las escuelas y estudiantes del Segundo Distrito Congresional de Mississippi”, indicó el Congresista Bennie G. Thompson. “Esta iniciativa garantiza que los niños tengan un medio de transporte escolar más limpio, seguro y eficiente y contribuye a proteger nuestro medioambiente. Al lograr un progreso significativo y ofrecer oportunidades valiosas para nuestros estudiantes, estamos allanando el camino hacia un mayor éxito estudiantil.”

En septiembre de 2023, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de al menos $500 millones para sus descuentos de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023. El periodo de solicitud de reembolso se cerró en febrero de 2024 con una respuesta abrumadora de los distritos escolares de todo el país que procuraban comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y limpios. Dado el nivel de demanda, incluso de comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios estadounidenses, la EPA duplicó la cantidad inicial de fondos disponibles en esta ronda a un total de casi $ 1,000 millones.

Esta tercera ronda de financiación se basará en las inversiones anteriores de casi 2,000 millones de dólares a través de los Descuentos 2022 del Programa de Autobuses Escolares y las Subvenciones 2023 para mejorar aún más la calidad del aire dentro y alrededor de las escuelas, reducir la contaminación de gases de efecto invernadero que agrava la crisis climática y ayudar a acelerar el liderazgo de Estados Unidos en el desarrollo de los vehículos limpios del futuro.

Las selecciones anunciadas hoy proporcionarán fondos a distritos escolares en 47 estados y Washington D.C., junto con varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses reconocidos por el gobierno federal. Los distritos escolares priorizados en comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales representan aproximadamente el 45 por ciento de los proyectos seleccionados y recibirán aproximadamente el 67 por ciento de los fondos totales. El programa avanza la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden que tiene como objetivo entregar el 40 por ciento de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a las comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas, desatendidas y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.

La EPA también se está asociando con otras agencias federales a través de la Oficina Conjunta de Energía y Transporte para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida a fin de garantizar una implementación efectiva.

La EPA continúa revisando las solicitudes seleccionadas y puede otorgar subvenciones adicionales a partir de este anuncio. La EPA está trabajando con esos solicitantes y les notificará de una adjudicación si su solicitud cumple con todos los requisitos del programa. A medida que se finalicen las selecciones adicionales, la EPA actualizará la página web de adjudicaciones de CSB.

La EPA también hará selecciones a través de rondas adicionales de financiamiento, así como a través de otros programas de financiamiento. Por ejemplo, la EPA actualmente está aceptando solicitudes para el Programa de Subvenciones de Vehículos Pesados Limpios 2024 hasta las 11:59 PM, hora local del Este, el 25 de julio de 2024 – ofreciendo la EPA hasta $932 millones en fondos de subvenciones disponibles y se prevé que aproximadamente el 70% de los fondos disponibles será para ayudar a pagar los nuevos autobuses escolares Clase 6 o 7 de cero emisiones. La EPA alienta a los distritos escolares que no fueron seleccionados para el Programa de Reembolso de CSB de 2023, y a aquellos que no lo solicitaron, a participar en los programas de financiamiento actualmente abiertos y en futuras rondas de financiamiento de CSB.

Acerca del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios

El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la EPA fue creado por la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden, que proporciona una financiación sin precedentes de $5 mil millones para transformar la flota de autobuses escolares del país. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios financia autobuses eléctricos, que producen cero emisiones del tubo de escape, así como autobuses de propano y gas natural comprimido (GNC), que producen menos emisiones del tubo de escape en comparación con sus predecesores más antiguos que usan diésel.

El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares y producirá aire más limpio. La contaminación del aire por diésel está relacionada con el asma y otras afecciones que dañan la salud de los estudiantes y hacen que falten a la escuela, particularmente en las comunidades de color y las comunidades tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores más antiguos que usan diésel, garantizará un aire más limpio para los estudiantes, los conductores de autobuses y el personal escolar que trabaja cerca de las áreas de carga de autobuses y las comunidades por las que pasan los autobuses todos los días.

La reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero gracias a estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a abordar el papel preponderante del sector del transporte en el fomento de la crisis climática. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares a medida que actualicen las flotas de autobuses escolares, reemplazando los autobuses existentes por otros autobuses escolares nuevos de cero emisiones y limpios, liberando a la vez los recursos necesarios para las escuelas.

Adjudicaciones del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios | EPA de EE. UU.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Recipients of nearly $900 Million for Clean School Buses Under President’s Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON — Today, May 29, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected approximately 530 school districts spanning nearly every state, Washington, D.C., and several Tribes and U.S. territories to receive nearly $900 million in funds to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

These rebates will help school districts purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric— to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Under the Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, the EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, later today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs for Americans.

“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”

“I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for expanding opportunities to provide clean school buses to schools and students in Mississippi's Second Congressional District,” said Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. “This initiative ensures that children have a cleaner, safer, and more efficient means of school transportation and contributes to protecting our environment. By making meaningful progress and offering valuable opportunities for our students, we are paving the way toward stronger student success.”

In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an overwhelming response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the level of demand, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial amount of available funding in this round to a total of nearly $1 billion. 

This third round of funding will build on the previous investments of almost $2 billion via the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

The EPA is also partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.

The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Program

The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/6tT4hAL

EPA and partners celebrate groundbreaking of Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site cleanup

WATERBURY, CONN. (May 28, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash joined U.S. Representative Hayes, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Mayor of Waterbury, and local community members to commemorate the groundbreaking of the cleanup at the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site in Waterbury, Connecticut.

"I'm so pleased to see the start of this cleanup finally happen for the community of Waterbury, a community which has historically had more than its fair share of pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This cleanup is long overdue, but the unprecedented funding from Congress and President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will ensure EPA and our partners can protect the community from legacy contamination, as well as restore the property for future reuse."

EPA selected a cleanup plan for the Scovill Industrial Landfill Site in 2016, but the project lacked the funding needed to execute the cleanup. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding allotted for this project allows the cleanup to finally be implemented. Remedial Action (i.e., construction) work will begin this spring.

The $11.88 million allotted for the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund the following activities:

• Excavation and consolidation of waste into a central location;
• Construction of a protective cover system cap over the consolidated, contaminated material in the northern portion of the site (referred to as the Calabrese parcel);
• And wetlands restoration.

What They Are Saying

"For years, the Scovill Industrial Landfill in Waterbury has posed serious health and environmental risks to nearby residents and I am thrilled that it will finally be cleaned up thanks to $11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Today's groundbreaking is a landmark occasion for the Waterbury community who will finally get the environmental justice they deserve. No one should live near contaminated sites and I will keep fighting for federal funding to support these long overdue and much needed remediation projects," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

"With today's announcement, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is keeping our promise to clean up backlogged sites and provide our communities with the peace of mind they deserve," said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). "The groundbreaking today is a fantastic illustration of the good things that collaboration between concerned citizens, elected politicians, and committed government institutions can accomplish. Now the EPA, the City of Waterbury, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, can move forward to restore the Scovill Industrial Landfill for future use and safeguard the neighborhood from legacy contamination.

"For years, Waterbury has attempted to address the Scovill Industrial Landfill Site. Today, funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow the real work to begin," said U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05). "Over the next eighteen months, this site will be remediated so it can be enjoyed by the surrounding community. Addressing these toxic sites scattered throughout the city is now and has always been a priority for me."

"The state of Connecticut is so appreciative of the action by the US Environmental Protection Agency to restore this community that has long been seeking a final remedy for this historical industrial landfill, providing clarity and protection of owners and users of these properties," Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Without funding being made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the wait for this final remedy may have stretched many years into the future."

"Having grown up in Waterbury, I have witnessed firsthand how this site has been plagued with contamination and delays in cleanup efforts," said Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. "I am very excited to see the bipartisan infrastructure bill deliver on the promise to clean up this backlogged site and give our East End neighbors the peace of mind and quality of life improvement they deserve."

Background

From 1919 to the mid-1970's, The Scovill Manufacturing Company, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, made various metal parts, including brass buttons, belt buckles, clasps, and other products, using aluminum, chromium, copper, silver, tin, and zinc. In addition, they also produced appliances, small motors, watches, injection molded plastics, and photographic equipment. The company used the current Superfund Site at as a landfill during this time for disposal of ash, cinders, demolition debris, and other by-products. By the mid-1990s, several capacitors, ash, cinder, crushed drums containing sludge material, metal waste, demolition debris and other waste materials were found on the property. The waste materials contained elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other metals. The 25-acre Scovill Industrial Landfill Site was added to the Superfund "National Priorities List" (NPL) in 2000.

More information:

Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site webpage: epa.gov/superfund/scovill

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Biden-Harris Administration Selects Five Recipients to Receive Nearly $15M in Grants to Address Climate-Damaging Hydrofluorocarbons as Part of Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON — Today, May 28, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of five recipients from across the country for grants to tackle the climate crisis by reclaiming and destroying hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Collectively, recipients will receive nearly $15 million in HFC Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.

“This diverse set of projects will tackle the destruction and reclamation of HFCs in innovative ways to help protect our climate and bolster American technologies,” said Joe Goffman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation.

The funding made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will range from $1,500,000 to $3,801,100 and support broader Biden-Harris Administration efforts to support a growing American industry on effectively managing HFCs. The selectees for this grant program are The University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Drexel University, University of California-Riverside, and the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute. By increasing the reuse of existing HFCs, selected projects are expected to further reduce our economy’s need for new HFCs and reduce overall HFC impacts on our climate.

HFCs are a class of potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. Their climate impact can be hundreds to thousands of times stronger than the same amount of carbon dioxide. Under the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is phasing down HFCs to achieve an 85% reduction below historical levels by 2036. President Biden also signed the U.S. ratification of the Kigali Amendment, and international agreement to phase down these super-polluting HFCs and avoid up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100. 

With today’s announcement, this Administration is continuing to deliver win-wins for climate action and U.S. manufacturing competitiveness while ensuring that American workers reap the benefits of a growing global market for HFC reclamation and destruction. These projects help facilitate the phasedown of HFCs under the AIM Act by helping increase the amount of HFCs that can be reclaimed and reused in the economy and by developing innovative techniques to destroy unusable HFCs, ensuring they do not contribute to climate change.

EPA anticipates that grants to the selected applicants will be finalized and awarded in the summer of 2024 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, and that selected applicants will begin projects in the fall and winter of this year.

To learn more about the Hydrocarbon Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants, visit the HFC Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants webpage.

Selected Grant Applicants

University of Washington

• Seattle, Washington 

University of Washington’s project will evaluate and demonstrate via alkaline hydrolysis a novel way to destroy HFCs. The project aims to reduce the pollution emissions associated with HFC destruction since it does not release hydrogen fluoride or gaseous carbon dioxide. UW has an outreach plan to engage with disadvantaged communities and intends to hold workshops, public input meetings, and community consultations and incorporate that feedback into the methodologies of the project. 

Texas A&M University  

• College Station, Texas 

Texas A&M’s project aims to reduce the time and cost of reclaiming HFCs in two ways: 1) by designing and testing a technology capable of separating a range of HFC mixtures and 2) by incorporating a data-driven decision framework for reverse logistics with high supply chain visibility that includes quality, cost efficiency, changing market dynamics, stakeholder collaboration, safety, and environmental regulation. This project intends to achieve a 30% increase in reclaimed HFC and at least a 25% reduction in cost from the baseline operation.

Drexel University 

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Drexel University’s project aims to develop a portable and energy efficient HFC destruction device by integrating liquid injection incinerator and nonthermal gliding arc plasma, which will provide refrigerant reclamation companies with an on-site treatment option for the reduction of HFC emissions. The project intends to develop a community engagement plan to evaluate environmental impacts on local communities. 

University of California - Riverside

• Riverside, California

University of California – Riverside’s project aims to develop scalable catalytic and assisting technologies for efficient HFC destruction, which would create a competitive and cost-effective integrated destruction system. The project intends to contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable practices in disadvantaged communities by advancing an innovative and replicable HFC destruction technique through pilot scale demonstration.

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute

• Arlington, Virginia 

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute is developing a pilot project to chemically convert and destroy mixed HFCs back into components for new commercial use. This zero-emission technique would thereby create value from the destruction process, while also lowering the costs and energy required to destroy HFCs compared to conventional incineration methods. 

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $3,150,770 in Brownfield Grants Through Investing in America Agenda to Rehabilitate and Revitalize Communities in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $3,150,770 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in South Carolina while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.

EPA selected two communities in South Carolina to receive two grants totaling more than $3,150,770 in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce the awards in Philadelphia today alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile.

For over 60 years, the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.
 

“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”

“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and bring them back into productive use.” 

“Today’s announcement by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflect this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” said Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”

Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs, promote economic revitalization, and transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.

Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.

EPA’s Brownfields Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The Brownfields Program strives to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations in all aspects of its work. Approximately 86 percent of the MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include disadvantaged communities.

State Funding Breakdown:

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program Selection

The following organizations in South Carolina have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs.

• The City of Hartsville has been selected to receive a $500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds also will be used to develop four cleanup plans and support reuse planning and community engagement activities. Assessment activities will occur in the Oakdale Neighborhood and College Heights communities within the City of Hartsville.

 

To see the list of the FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants selected for funding visit EPA’s FY 2024  Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.

Additional Background:

EPA has selected these organizations to receive funding to address and support the reuse of brownfield sites to address the health, economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields. EPA anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment nearly 400 percent. More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment has also allowed the MAC grants’ maximum award amounts to increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award.

To see the list of the FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants selected for funding visit EPA’s FY 2024  Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.

 To see the list of RLF Supplemental funding recipients visit EPA’s FY 2024  Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.

 

To learn more about RLF Technical Assistance grant recipient visit EPA’s Brownfields Grow America webpage.

 

For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program visit EPA’s Brownfields webpage.     

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