Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the recipients of their Clean School Bus rebate program.  In Oregon, ten school districts will receive over $22.6 million, with the Pendleton School District and First Student receiving $4,165,000.  These rebate funds will be used to purchase 13 electric school buses and aid in the infrastructure required to run and maintain a fleet of electric school buses.

In 2023 the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates.  Due to an overwhelming response from school districts across the nation, the EPA doubled the funding to nearly $1 billion.   The Pendleton School District partnered with First Student in applying for these funds.

This program exists to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and help safely transport our students to and from school.

The selections announced provides funding to school districts in 47 states, along with several federally recognized Tribes. Prioritization was given to school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities.

Matt Yoshioka, director of student transportation, said these buses will be owned and maintained by First Student Bus company and be used primarily for our bus routes which run within the Pendleton city limits.

“We’re grateful for our partnership with First Student and their willingness to be proactive in their approach to student transportation.  We look forward to seeing these new buses being added to the Pendleton fleet and hope to see more new and innovative ideas and opportunities happen for our district and students in the future” Yoshioka said.

The timeline for when these buses will be purchased and in use is not know at this time; it will take at least a year for the buses to arrive and for the needed infrastructure to be completed.