NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is celebrating the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $27 million funding opportunity for school districts exploring the use of electric school buses.

“Purchasing prices for eco-friendly vehicles have often been a sore spot for communities looking to make the transition,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Relieving this burden off of school districts enables a smooth transition to eco-friendly transportation and fosters the growth of Illinois electric transportation and infrastructure.”

The Driving a Cleaner Illinois program was created to distribute funding for various types of diesel emission reduction projects. This latest funding announcement will provide funds to replace existing diesel school buses with new all-electric school buses located and operated in three priority areas. The Illinois EPA will also fund a portion of new electric charging equipment if charging infrastructure is needed.

Through this funding opportunity, the Illinois EPA intends to fund projects in three priority areas, with DuPage County designated in priority area one.

“This recent notice of funding opportunity supports Illinois’ goal of one million electric vehicles by 2030, which is quickly approaching,” said Ellman. “I hope local school districts take advantage of this opportunity to reduce emissions while simultaneously decreasing energy costs.”

Applications for the Driving a Cleaner Illinois – Volkswagen All-Electric School Buses grant program will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 5, 2023. All applicants must pre-qualify through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal. School districts and commercial school bus providers interested in learning more about the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program can visit the IEPA’s website here.