The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Alief Independent School District is receiving $7,900,000 through EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program. This significant award which is made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help the school district purchase 20 electric emission-free school buses to replace diesel operated school buses. EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance joined Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays and Alief ISD Chief Communications & PR Administrator Kristyn Cathey to celebrate the award and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save school money, and better protect children’s health.

“I’ve seen firsthand the advantages of the zero-emission school buses, and I am glad to see another school district will experience the benefits of cleaner air for students, teachers and the community,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With continued funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, we can protect children’s health by providing green alternatives for school districts like Alief ISD. I would like to thank Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Dr. Anthony Mays, the Alief ISD Superintendent for their support and participation in this announcement.” 

“As we begin a new school year, I was glad to join Dr. Nance, Superintendent Mays, and Alief ISD leaders to highlight $7.2 million in federal funding to purchase 20 electric school buses to modernize Alief ISD’s school bus fleet,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “These electric school buses will lower emissions, meaning cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and community members.  This investment in our community is a direct result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I was glad to work on and to vote for, and is also a result of the dynamic, collaborative partnership and leadership in the community I am so proud to represent.  I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for investing in our future, and to Dr. Nance and the EPA for coming to Alief to make this important announcement.”

“This $7.9 million grant from the EPA will make a major difference in our district and our community,” said Dr. Anthony Mays the Alief ISD Superintendent of Schools. “Without it, the district would have not been able to afford these buses. They will greatly benefit our students who suffer from asthma-related illnesses and thus, reduce absenteeism. This is a win for our district and community!” 

Alief ISD consists of 46 schools and serves over 40,000 students, many of whom take buses to school. With these zero-emission school buses, Alief ISD can protect children’s health and provide healthier and cleaner air for communities.  

The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. To learn more about the Clean School Bus Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website.