nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Blackstone Valley Prep in Rhode Island recently unveiled a fleet of 24 all-electric school buses, the largest in the state. Funded by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, these buses aim to provide healthier, more sustainable transportation for students. The nearly $10 million project includes individual charging stations for each bus. Governor Dan McKee praised the initiative as a win for Rhode Island's climate goals. The electric buses are also expected to be cheaper to maintain than traditional diesel buses.

On Vashon Island in Washington State, across from Seattle, the Vashon United Methodist Church (UMC) recently received elective pay (a.k.a. direct pay) funds in lieu of federal clean energy tax credits for its installed solar and battery storage devices. This helped cover about a third of the costs of the installation, with the other two-thirds covered by a $130,000 Washington State Department of Commerce Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program grant that Vashon UMC won back in September 2023. The federal credit and state grant helped the church install 30 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels and six battery storage devices in two church-owned buildings.

Glades County School District (GCSD) has introduced 13 industry-leading electric school buses to its fleet for the 2024-2025 school year. The new electric school buses will replace more than half of the district's outdated diesel buses—some of which have been in operation for more than 25 years.

A 2-MW rooftop solar project is coming to ¡HOLA! Elementary in Palmetto, Florida, aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing energy costs. The initiative is led by Renaissance Arts and Education, Tampa Bay Solar, and Regenerative Shift, and is set for completion by summer 2025. This project will help the school reduce its carbon footprint while utilizing federal tax incentives for non-profits. It showcases how educational institutions can leverage renewable energy for both cost-saving and environmental benefits.

North Carolina has received $26.7 million in federal funds from the EPA's Clean School Bus Grant Program to purchase 114 electric school buses. This funding will benefit 13 counties, with a significant portion going to Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. The initiative aims to replace older diesel buses, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality for students. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized that this investment supports better-resourced schools and a cleaner environment.

North Carolina has received $26.7 million in federal funds from the EPA's Clean School Bus Grant Program to purchase 114 electric school buses. This funding will benefit 13 counties, with a significant portion going to Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. The initiative aims to replace older diesel buses, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality for students. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized that this investment supports better-resourced schools and a cleaner environment.

In Creighton, Arizona, the school district took a holistic, “triangle” approach to its clean energy projects that will lower energy costs, keep students safer, and help the climate. After hearing that funding opportunities through the IRA could help cover 40 percent of solar costs, Creighton School District jumped on the opportunity and added the installation of solar panels to their list of projects—along with tree plantings and shade structures. In planning, the district made a distinct effort to emphasize environmental stewardship and incorporate climate science into its curriculum, along with the updated energy systems to help protect students from intense heat and save the district money from skyrocketing utility bills.

Coming this fall, Menasha School District will be home to the state’s second net-zero school. In planning, the district mapped out a facility that completely eliminates reliance on oil and gas, and instead utilizes geothermal heating systems, heat pumps, and a 1.15 MW solar array consisting of over 2,700 panels. The new clean energy system is projected to save $140,000 annually and slash carbon dioxide emissions by 803 metric tons each year.

First Student deployed 13 electric school buses for El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools in Missouri, marking the district's transition to a fully electric fleet. This initiative, funded by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 700,000 pounds annually. The new electric buses will replace older diesel buses, providing a cleaner, quieter, and safer ride for students. Superintendent Brad Steward highlighted the district's commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. First Student plans to transition 30,000 diesel buses to electric by 2035.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to 34 Tribal nations and territories. These grants, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aim to cut climate pollution and accelerate the clean energy transition. The projects include installing solar arrays, improving energy efficiency, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. This marks one of the largest climate investments in Tribal and territorial communities.