Frost, Soto Announce $5 Million EPA Clean School Bus Program Grant for Orange County Public Schools
ORLANDO, FL — This week, Reps.Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Darren Soto (FL-09) announced that Orange County Public Schools will receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to purchase 20 electric school buses. The Clean School Bus Program was established under President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Law and will deliver $5 billion over five years to replace school buses across the country with low- to zero-emission models.
“House Democrats and the Biden Administration continue to deliver on critical investments for the future of our clean energy communities,” said Congressman Frost. “This $5 million for electric school buses will help us tackle some of the worst contributors to climate change and help usher in a new era of clean energy for Orange County. With the climate crisis being a clear and present danger to our community and humanity, it is steps like this that help us fight this existential threat.”
“We are thrilled to see Orange County Public Schools receive $5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency to help transition their school bus fleet to electric. I was proud to vote for the new Infrastructure Law which continues to deliver for Florida. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical step to protect clean air for our students, combat climate change, and preserve the planet for future generations,” said Congressman Soto. “I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming to the school district and will keep working to secure more federal funds for Central Florida.”
“OCPS is excited to be a recipient of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program. The additional twenty (20) electric busses will help the district on our pathway towards sustainability,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “We are grateful for the support from Congressmen Soto and Frost to help us accomplish this goal.”
For the 2023-2024 funding period, OCPS was one of 67 applicants awarded in the country and one of five in the state of Florida. They operate the largest transportation department in Central Florida with more than 700 buses on the roads daily, more than 540 routes operated, and approximately 58,000 students served annually.
For a detailed breakdown of awards, please click here.
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