Governor Wes Moore today (Dec 11) announced the launch of the Maryland Energy Administration's new program to expand the number of electric school buses in use across the state. As a key pillar of the governor's $90 million climate pledge, the program will help cut emissions that drive climate change and improve the health of Maryland's schoolkids.
"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 Maryland Energy Administration will offer up to $17 million through the Fiscal Year 2025 Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program for electric school buses, charging infrastructure and associated costs. Eligible applicants can receive up to 85% of the incremental cost of purchasing qualified electric school buses. The program provides up to $1.5 million per grantee, with an increased cap of $2 million for income-qualified applicants or large school districts.
Priority will be given to projects benefiting Title I Schools and underserved communities.
Funding is distributed as cost reimbursement, with partial awards available to maximize program impact. Local school districts are eligible to submit applications to purchase school buses. Applications must be submitted by the district to support their fleet or fund efforts by their private vendors or contractors.
Any publicly funded school bus procured by an eligible entity for the routine transportation of students for school or school-related programming or activities is also eligible for consideration. Vehicles must be purchased new retrofits or repowered vehicles are not eligible. A vehicle that has been funded in whole or in part by another Maryland state agency grant may also not be funded through this program.
"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."
The window for applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program will close on February 14, 2025 at 3 p.m. EST. Full details on eligibility, program guidelines and the application process are available on the program webpage.
For more information contact Natalie Buscemi, Transportation Program Manager, at transportation.mea@maryland.gov or 410-537-4071.
