SEATTLE — On Dec 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an $8.4 million grant to the Washington Department of Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Woodland Public Schools to help fund the purchase of 28 zero-emission vehicles.
The funds were made possible through the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant Program.
“Replacing heavy duty diesel vehicles like school buses, garbage trucks, and more with green alternatives is a simple, smart way we can improve air quality for our kids and communities, while bringing down long term costs,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). “I’m pleased to see these funds I fought for making their way back to Washington state, where they will support new jobs, help reduce emissions, and make sure our communities have top-notch vehicles doing important public work. As a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I am going to keep working to build on these crucial investments.”
Here is how it breaks down:
- The Washington Department of Ecology will get 3,887,706 to help buy electric buses to replace 13 diesel school buses.
- The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will get $260,000 to replace a diesel garbage truck with an electric one.
- Woodland Public Schools will get $4,249,000 to replace 14 diesel buses.
The EPA said that the money can also be used for building things that help zero-emission vehicles, training workers, and covering the costs of carrying out these projects.
“Thanks to President Biden, we are accelerating American leadership in developing clean technologies that address the impacts of climate change,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant projects announced today will slash air pollution and enhance the country’s infrastructure for cleaner transportation solutions, creating good-paying jobs along the way.”