Lower-Emission School Bus Program
About
The Lower-Emission School Bus Program is a grant program that provides funds to purchase new buses to replace old, high-emitting public school buses, and to equip in-use diesel school buses with retrofit devices that significantly reduce toxic particulate matter emissions.
The primary goal of the Lower-Emission School Bus Program is to reduce school children’s exposure to both cancer-causing and smog-forming pollution. The program does not impose any regulatory requirements on school districts and their participation in the program is voluntary.
CARB staff, in coordination with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the local air pollution control districts, developed Guidelines for implementation of the Lower-Emission School Bus Program funds, which cover which buses and retrofits can be purchased and outline administrative requirements.
Historically, the program has been administered by CARB and implemented by local air quality management and air pollution control districts (air districts). Most recently, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) served as the statewide administrator for the Lower-Emission School Bus Program on behalf of CARB, prioritizing funding for school districts in the small and medium air districts.
Currently, local air districts may administer some of their local funds according to the Guidelines. For more information, contact your local air district.
Historic Lower-Emission School Bus Program
Proposition 1B, which was approved by the voters on November 7th, 2006, enacts the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006. This bond act authorized $200 million for replacing and retrofitting school buses, and has been fully expended. See the School Bus Retrofit and Replacement Bond Accountability Account page to review program reports.
