Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced a significant grant award from the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, an initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This $19.9 million grant, facilitated by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to aid nine school districts in Illinois in transitioning to zero-emission electric buses.

Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the importance of this funding, stating, "With this funding, we're building on our progress toward a more sustainable future by providing nine school districts with the resources to advance our clean energy goals." He emphasized that these efforts would reduce emissions and improve air quality across the state.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders expressed pride in ISBE's achievement: “Clean transportation solutions not only create healthier living and learning environments for our students but also save money for our school districts and taxpayers.”

The following districts will benefit from new zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure:

- Forest Park School District 91

- Franklin Park School District 84

- Hazel Crest School District 152.5

- Joliet Township High School District 204

- Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103

- Marengo Union Elementary CSD 165

- Township High School District 113 (Highland Park)

- Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C

- Zion-Benton Township High School District 126

In addition to these grants distributed through ISBE, three other Illinois school districts—Grayslake Community Consolidated School District 46, North Chicago CUSD 187, and Zion Elementary School District 6—received direct funding from the EPA’s program.

The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program is designed to enhance air quality by reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, especially in areas heavily impacted by pollution. The EPA notes that many older vehicles emit pollutants linked to health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

For further details on the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program or information about additional funding opportunities through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program​ open until January 9, 2025, interested parties are encouraged to visit the EPA's website.