South Coast AQMD is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to replace older and higher-emitting school buses with zero-emission buses in the South Coast Air Basin under the Lower Emission School Bus Program. This program focuses on reducing children’s exposure to harmful emissions from combustion school buses by providing funding to the public school districts. Eligible buses must be 2005 or older, currently registered with the DMV and have a GVWR greater than 14,000lbs. The old buses must be scrapped after being replaced. The program is available to public school districts, including those participating under a Joint Powers Authority agreement.

Approximately $45 million is available to support projects within the South Coast AQMD’s jurisdiction. Applications are due on April 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. PST. For more information, full descriptions of eligibility requirements, and to apply on-line, please visit: www.aqmd.gov/schoolbus.