A new program funded by proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program aims to encourage the transition of California’s school bus fleet to zero-emission and low-emission buses.

The Rural School Bus Pilot Project offers funding for the purchase of new fuel cell and battery-electric school buses and associated charging equipment. Plug-in hybrid buses, or new buses that operate on fossil fuels, including “renewable” diesel, natural gas and propane, are also eligible.

The project could fund as many as 60 new school buses statewide, eliminating roughly 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing fine particle pollution.

Applications for grant funding will be accepted March 1-30. All California public schools and California public entities that own school buses are eligible to apply.

Source: California Air Resources Board via Green Car Congress