Central Florida Representative Darren Soto and Orlando Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, both Democrats, recently announced that Orange County Public Schools will receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to purchase 20 electric school buses.
The Clean School Bus Program was established under President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Law and will deliver $5 billion over five years to replace school buses across the country with low- to zero-emission models.
For the 2023-2024 funding period, OCPS was one of 67 applicants awarded in the country and one of five in the state of Florida.
“We are thrilled to see Orange County Public Schools receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency to help transition their school bus fleet to electric,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “I was proud to vote for the new Infrastructure Law which continues to deliver for Florida. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical step to protect clean air for our students, combat climate change, and preserve the planet for future generations. I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming to the school district and will keep working to secure more federal funds for Central Florida.”
In September of last year, Rep. Soto wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in support of this grant award.
“House Democrats and the Biden Administration continue to deliver on critical investments for the future of our clean energy communities,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “This $5 million for electric school buses will help us tackle some of the worst contributors to climate change and help usher in a new era of clean energy for Orange County. With the climate crisis being a clear and present danger to our community and humanity, it is steps like this that help us fight this existential threat.”
Orange County Public Schools operates the largest transportation department in Central Florida with more than 700 buses on the roads daily, more than 540 routes operated, and approximately 58,000 students served annually.
“OCPS is excited to be a recipient of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program. The additional twenty (20) electric busses will help the district on our pathway towards sustainability,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “We are grateful for the support from Congressmen Soto and Frost to help us accomplish this goal.”
For a detailed breakdown of awards, visit the EPA Clean School Bus Program Awards online.
