Zero Emission School Bus and Fleet Transition Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Ecology administers the Zero Emission School Bus and Fleet Transition Grant Program as part of its broader mission to protect, preserve, and enhance environmental quality across the state. This program is funded through the state’s Climate Commitment Act and is designed to accelerate the transition of school transportation systems away from fossil fuels. By targeting diesel-powered school buses, which contribute significantly to air pollution and public health risks, the program supports Washington’s environmental justice and climate goals. The initiative prioritizes communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, including low-income, rural, and tribal communities. The primary purpose of this grant program is to reduce toxic emissions and greenhouse gases by replacing older fossil-fueled school buses with new zero-emission vehicles. In addition to vehicle replacement, the program provides funding for infrastructure development, including charging systems, and for fleet transition activities such as planning, equipment procurement, and staff training. A second funding category supports vocational training programs that prepare mechanics, drivers, and students for the operation and maintenance of zero-emission fleets. These training programs are intended to build workforce capacity and ensure long-term sustainability of clean transportation systems. Funding under this program is available for a wide range of eligible costs, including the purchase of zero-emission buses, scrappage of existing diesel vehicles, installation of charging infrastructure, and training-related expenses. However, certain costs such as real estate acquisition, general building construction, and ongoing operational expenses are not eligible. The program establishes structured funding tiers for vehicle replacement based on school district characteristics such as poverty levels and rural status. Additional funding is available for infrastructure projects, with caps per application and per vehicle to ensure equitable distribution of resources. Eligibility varies depending on the funding category. For zero-emission bus projects, applicants must be school bus owners serving K-12 students in Washington and recognized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. For vocational training projects, eligible applicants include a broader set of entities such as cities, counties, tribes, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and public utilities. All applicants must meet specific project requirements, including scrapping eligible older buses and ensuring that replacement vehicles operate within Washington for a minimum period. The application process requires submission through the Department of Ecology’s EAGL system. Applicants must register for access and submit detailed project information, including fleet inventories, project descriptions, and budgets. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, alignment with program goals, benefits to disadvantaged communities, and project feasibility. Competitive scoring criteria are applied, and awards are distributed based on rankings within each funding category. Successful applicants are expected to comply with reporting requirements, procurement rules, and project timelines. The application period opened on February 12, 2026 and closes on June 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time. The Department of Ecology anticipates notifying award recipients by July 2026. Funded projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2027, with key milestones such as vehicle ordering and infrastructure installation occurring earlier in the grant period. The program is not explicitly described as recurring, though additional funding rounds may occur depending on future appropriations and program revisions. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program through the Department of Ecology Air Quality Program. The designated contact is Kelly O’Callahan, who can be reached by phone or email. The department provides support for navigating the application system but does not assist with application writing. Applicants are encouraged to review all program requirements carefully to ensure compliance and maximize their competitiveness in the selection process.

Focus on replacing oldest buses and serving disadvantaged communities and ensure detailed budgets and clear project scope.