EPA Commences Webinar Series as Clean School Bus Program Returns

March 3, 2026

renewable diesel — San Jose Unified in California power part of its fleet with Renewable Diesel, a drop-in, non-petroleum fuel that is entirely different than biodiesel and that meets all traditional diesel standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held the first of three webinars to share information on the proposed expansion of eligible fuels under the revamped Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) and to solicit comment from student transportation stakeholders.

The EPA webinar on Tuesday highlighted last week’s Request for Information, which seeks public comment on the feasibility of adding biodiesel and renewable diesel as fundable fuels. A source familiar with the program told School Transportation News following EPA’s announcement of the RFI that the inclusion of liquefied natural gas and hydrogen, which are not currently available options for school buses, satisfy language contained in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that created the CSBP.

EPA did not provide a date for the unveiling of the next CSBP funding round, but representatives indicated an announcement would be made following the public comment period, which remains open until early April.

Several webinar participants commented during the webinar on stated EPA focal points of the new funding round. One industry professional recommended that EPA limit the number of entities that are considered to be third parties allowed to work with school districts to secure grant funding. Another participant pointed out that regulatory language can confuse the terms sales order and sales receipt, as the verbiage can result in a reimbursement to a a “poor” school district that instead needs the funds up front.

A representative of school bus dealer noted that some school districts are unable to apply for Clean School Bus Program funds because they don’t have 2010 or older model-year school buses to retire, which the regulatory language calls for.

Other participants championed electric school buses in light of EPA’s new focus on funding more biofuel blends, renewable diesel and propane that increase tailpipe emissions, even if nominally. Another participant said propane makes the most sense for his district’s fleet, citing a concern for the cost of battery replacements in electric school buses.

Wednesday’s webinar is designed to give school districts and bus companies the next steps in finalizing clean school bus projects funded by the 2023 rebate program with an overview of the close out form.

A March 10 webinar will share additional information on the 2023 project close outs EPA said is necessary to complete programs “effectively and efficiently while also ensuring they meet the conditions of their funding opportunity.”

Specifically, EPA said it is targeting potential waste, fraud and abuse by sharing guidance school districts and bus companies should use as they wrap up their projects.