MARYLAND (DC News Now) — On Wednesday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced the launch of a new program aimed at expanding the amount of electric school buses in use across the state.
As part of the program, formally called the Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program, the Maryland Energy Administration will grant public school districts and agencies $17 million through fiscal year 2025 for electric school buses and their associated costs, including charging stations.
Eligible applicants, which include public school districts/agencies and private bus companies working on behalf of the districts, can apply to receive up to 85% of the additional cost of purchasing electric school buses as opposed to purchasing regular diesel buses.
Priority for funding will be given to Title I Schools and “underserved communities,” according to the governor’s office. Each applicant can recieve a maximum of $1.5 million, however, depending on income qualifications and the size of the school district, awardees may receieve up to $2 million.
“Many communities are already seeing the consequences of climate change in their own backyards. Now, we need to ensure more Marylanders can see themselves in the progress of climate action,” said Gov. Moore. “Electrifying our school bus fleet isn’t just the responsible choice for our environment — it’s also the smart thing for our state’s economic competitiveness and our children’s health.”
The money for the buses will be given to awarded districts as a reimbursement, with partial funding initially available for those who need it to purchase their buses.
The program will also only cover new electric school buses, not traditional buses that have been converted to electric. Buses that have been fully or partially funded by another Maryland state agency grant will also not be eligible for funding through the program, according to the program’s web page.
“The Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program represents a convergence of the state’s climate, equity and economic goals. The program enables Maryland communities to overcome the initial costs associated with the shift to cleaner vehicles so that they can receive the long-term savings that come with reduced fuel and maintenance costs,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Because of this program, our kids will breathe cleaner air and our return on the investment of public funds will expand. That’s a clear win-win for Maryland.”
For more information and to apply for the program, click here. Applications close on Feb. 14, 2025 at 3 p.m.
