Kobussen, Marion schools get EPA bus cleanup funds

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded more than $1 million to replace 52 older diesel school buses in Wisconsin and five other states.

Locally, Kobussen Buses — which provides school transportation for the Shawano and Bonduel school districts — will receive $200,000 to replace 10 buses. The Marion School District will receive $20,000 to replace one bus.

All will receive rebates through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to such health problems as asthma and lung damage.

“As we continue to celebrate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, EPA continues to be committed to providing communities access to rebates to improve and replace aging school buses that will improve air quality across the country and provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “While many fleets are currently off the road as we all social distance during COVID-19, these local school districts will start up again, and EPA is proud to have helped equip them with cleaner running buses.”

Applicants replacing buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $15,000 and $20,000 per bus, depending on the size of the bus.

For information about the program, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.