The Texas Clean School Bus Program
About the Texas Clean School Bus Program
- Details about the program
- Other Strategies to Reduce Emissions
- Questions and Answers About the Program (PDF)
- Download TCEQ Clean School Bus Brochure (PDF)
- Get Updates and Information
Eligibility and Technology
Grant Information, Application and Reimbursement Forms
The most recent application period ended November 30, 2011. Application forms may not be submitted at this time.
- Request for Grant Activities for School Bus Retrofits (PDF) Outlines the program eligibility, application process, and terms and conditions.
- How to Apply for a Texas Clean School Bus Grant (PDF) This document explains the steps you need to take, the deadlines, and the forms you need to complete.
- Grant Application and Agreement (.XLSM) Captures the applicant's information, retrofit technologies to be used, and bus information; it's required to apply for grant money. (for reference only)
- Request for Reimbursement (.XLSM) Once the retrofit project is completed, use these instructions and forms for reimbursement.
- Where to Find a Vendor
Details About the Clean School Bus Program
The Texas Clean School Bus program is a comprehensive program designed to reduce emissions of diesel exhaust by retrofitting older school buses.
The Texas Education Agency reports that more than 33 percent of the school buses in local fleets are more than 10 years old. In the years since these vehicles were purchased, several advancements in vehicle and engine technology have helped reduce emissions from school buses, which helps reduce air pollution. Learn more about diesel exhaust from school buses.
Other Strategies to Reduce Bus Emissions
Schools can also adopt voluntary strategies to help reduce school bus emissions. These strategies can also help improve fuel economy.
Consider these voluntary strategies:
- Begin a voluntary idling limit for school buses (see this sample idling policy (.DOC).
- Start enhanced maintenance programs.
Funds for Upgrading School-Bus
Grants awarded through this program help schools purchase and install emissions-reduction technologies. The program will award funds to school districts and charter schools as reimbursement for the cost of eligible projects that reduce diesel-exhaust emissions.
While there is not a limit on the amount of funding that can be applied for, the amount awarded is at the discretion of the TCEQ.
Eligible School Districts
All public school districts and charter schools in Texas are eligible to apply for this grant. Private schools are not eligible for funding. Public school districts that lease buses are also eligible.
A diesel school bus proposed for retrofit must be used on a regular, daily route to and from a school and have at least five years of useful life remaining, unless the applicant agrees to remove the retrofit device at the end of the life of the bus and reinstall it on another bus.
Eligible School Buses
To meet the TCEQ qualifications, a school bus must:
- have an engine model year 2006 or older;
- be used on a regular, daily route, to and from school; and
- be kept and used by the school district for a least five years after installing the retrofit device.
Eligible Technologies
Newer technology offers several options for cleaner-running school buses, including these items:
- a closed crankcase filtration system;
- a diesel particulate filters (PDF);
- a diesel oxidation catalyst (PDF).
Costs per device can range depending on the type of technology chosen . School-bus emissions decrease by as much as 90 percent when these engine or exhaust retrofits are made. All technologies must be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies list of verified technologies 
or the California Air Resources Board's list of verified technologies , or be a technology that the TCEQ commission finds will bring about significant emissions reductions.
Where to find a vendor?
The TCEQ and the Texas Comptroller have secured state pricing for the purchase and installation of retrofit technology. This information, including contact information for these vendors, may be found on the Texas Comptroller's website . A school district is not required to employ a vendor from this list, nor are they limited by this list of vendors.
Get Updates and Information
For more information about the program, or how your school district can reduce school bus emissions, call the TCEQ at 512-239-3143, or send an e-mail to CleanBus@tceq.texas.gov.
To sign up for e-mail updates, click the icon above and then: enter and confirm your email address, select "Air Quality", then select "Texas Clean School Bus Program", and finally "save" (the system e-mails you a confirmation). You may unsubscribe at any time.
