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First Student deploys 13 electric school buses for Missouri school district

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:03-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

La Crosse School District Cuts Costs with Sustainable Energy

The La Crosse School District has significantly cut costs by incorporating sustainable energy solutions. Three schools currently have solar panels, with a fourth set to go online soon. For example, Northside Elementary's solar array, installed in October 2022, offsets nearly 30% of the building's energy usage and is expected to save the district nearly $500,000 over its 25-year warranty period. Additionally, the district uses geothermal heating and has saved substantial amounts on energy costs. The district is also developing a Climate Action Plan to further increase sustainable energy use and cost savings.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:03-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

RI school unveils fleet of electric school buses

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:03-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Washington Island Church Goes Solar Thanks to New Credits for Nonprofits

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:03-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

CPRG Implementation Nome Tribal Partnerships

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:01-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Federal grant program awards $26.7M for NC school buses: Durham County

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:01-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Federal grant program awards $26.7M for NC school buses: Mecklenburg County

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:01-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

An Inside Look at 2 School Districts Owning Their Clean Energy Future – Creighton School District

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:53:01-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Rosebud Sioux Tribe EV Transit Project to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

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.

By |2026-05-11T11:52:59-04:00May 11th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments