Gov. Wes Moore announced Tuesday the launch of the Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) new grant program to promote the use of electric school buses statewide. The initiative is part of the state’s $90 million climate pledge to reduce emissions contributing to climate change and improve the health of Maryland students, according to a news release.
“Many communities are already seeing the consequences of climate change in their own backyards. Now, we need to ensure more Marylanders can see themselves in the progress of climate action,” Moore said. “Electrifying our school bus fleet isn’t just the responsible choice for our environment — it’s the smart choice for our state’s economic competitiveness and our children’s health.”
The Fiscal Year 2025 Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program will offer up to $17 million for the purchase of electric school buses, charging infrastructure, and related expenses. Eligible applicants can receive up to 85% of the incremental costs for new buses. Grantees may receive up to $1.5 million, with a higher cap of $2 million available for income-qualified applicants or large school districts.
Priority will be given to Title I schools and underserved communities. Local school districts may apply to fund their own fleets or support efforts by private vendors or contractors.
Publicly funded school buses purchased for routine student transportation or school-related activities are eligible, but only new vehicles qualify. Retrofits, repowered buses, or vehicles funded through other Maryland state agency grants are not eligible.
“The Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program represents a convergence of the state’s climate, equity, and economic goals,” said MEA Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This program helps Maryland communities overcome the upfront costs of cleaner vehicles while providing long-term savings through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Our kids will breathe cleaner air, and the return on public investment will grow. That’s a clear win-win for Maryland.”
Applications are open until Feb. 14, 2025. Full program details and eligibility requirements are available on the MEA website.
For more information, contact Natalie Buscemi, Transportation Program Manager, at transportation.mea@maryland.gov or 410-537-4071.
