How much funding does EPA DERA School Bus Rebates (2021 Annual Program) provide?

EPA DERA School Bus Rebates (2021 Annual Program) provides $20,000 - $65,000 per bus depending on fuel type (up to 10 buses, maximum $300,000) in funding.

When is the deadline for EPA DERA School Bus Rebates (2021 Annual Program)?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

EPA DERA School Bus Rebates (2021 Annual Program)

ALABAMA CLEAN FUELS COALITION

Foundation Annual Grants for K-12 Schools Energy Efficiency Grants Environmental Education Grants

Funding Amount

$20,000 - $65,000 per bus depending on fuel type (up to 10 buses, maximum $300,000)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

EPA 2021 DERA School Bus Rebates

Administrator: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Source: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)

Purpose: Provide rebates for replacement of old diesel school buses with new clean fuel school buses.

Geographic Scope: National program

Eligible Applicants:

All public school districts

Private fleets serving public school districts

Eligible Buses to Replace:

Must have Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 lbs

Eligible Replacement Buses:

Must have GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs

Can be powered by:

- Electric - meets current emission standards
- Diesel - meets current emission standards
- Gasoline - meets current emission standards
- Propane (Autogas) - meets current emission standards
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) - meets current emission standards

Rebate Amount:

$20,000 - $65,000 per bus depending on replacement fuel type

Up to 10 buses per applicant

Maximum rebate: $300,000 per applicant

Key Differences from ARP Program:

Broader Eligibility: All public school districts eligible (not limited to high-poverty districts)

Fuel Flexibility: Multiple fuel options (electric, diesel, gasoline, propane, CNG)

Multiple Applications: Fleets larger than 100 buses can submit up to 2 applications

Higher Per-Bus Limits: Up to 10 buses (vs. 4 for ARP)

Important: Fleets cannot use funding from both ARP and DERA programs on the same bus replacements

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility
- Confirm applicant is public school district or private fleet serving public schools
- Verify buses meet GVWR and condition requirements

2. Submit Application
- Email to: DERARebates@epa.gov
- Include scans of bus titles and registrations
- Simple one-page application process

3. Selection Process
- One-time drawing once deadline received
- Applicants selected sequentially until funds exhausted
- Will fund at least one project in every state (if application received)

4. Application Materials:
- Details similar to ARP program
- Contact EPA for current year deadlines and application materials