The South Coast AQMD Governing Board approved
$30 million on February 6 to help communities
disproportionately impacted by air pollution replace
older school buses with new, zero-emission models and
install supporting charging infrastructure.
Funding is available through South Coast AQMD’s
Assembly Bill (AB) 617 Clean Community School
Initiative, an incentive program supporting school-related
projects in overburdened communities identified through
the AB 617 Program. Applicants must be the operators of
privately-owned school buses contracted with and servicing
public school districts within the identified communities.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce air
pollution, including smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and particulate matter (PM10)—tiny particles that can
penetrate deep into the lungs. Reducing exposure to these
pollutants is especially critical for children whose lungs are
still developing and who are more vulnerable to respiratory
illnesses such as asthma. Zero-emission school buses help
improve air quality around schools and along bus routes,
creating healthier learning environments and supporting
long-term health outcomes for students and surrounding
communities.
To qualify, existing school buses must be diesel-,
compressed natural gas-, or propane-fueled; have a gross
vehicle weight rating greater than 8,501 pounds; be
currently registered with the California Department of
Motor Vehicles; comply with the California Air Resources
Board’s (CARB) Truck and Bus Regulation, and hold valid
California Highway Patrol safety certifications for at least
the past two years.
Replacement buses must be CARB-certified, zero-emission
vehicles in the same weight class, and maintain valid CHP
certifications throughout the duration of the contract.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
PST.
To apply, visit South Coast AQMD’s AB 617 Community
Action Plan Incentives page at:
www.aqmd.gov/cleancommunityschools.