The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is announcing the availability of the 2022-23 Application for the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.
All public school districts are encouraged to consider applying to MDEQ for rebates of up to 25% toward the replacement of 2009 and older school buses with new school buses. The new school buses may be powered by diesel, a cleaner fuel alternative (e.g., gasoline), or a zero-emissions power source (e.g., battery or fuel cell). MDEQ expects to provide upwards of $300,000 in rebates to selected school districts through a competitive application process.
The Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Grants Program. The goal of the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program is to reduce emissions from diesel school buses through the early retirement of older buses. Since implementing the program in 2014, the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program has awarded over $2 million to 54 school districts for the purchase and replacement of 131 school buses.
For more information, including an application package and forms, visit https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/air/diesel-emission-reduction-grant-program/ or contact the MDEQ Air Division at (601) 961-5171.