NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairs Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Morgan Griffith, and Buddy Carter have raised concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process.

According to the committee chairs, the EPA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has identified significant issues within the program that could lead to waste, fraud, and abuse. They highlighted that the program appears to favor electric school buses over other eligible options, creating challenges for award recipients in utilizing the allocated funding effectively.

The OIG's December 2023 audit pointed out the potential difficulties the EPA may face in managing the program due to the increasing power and supply demands for electric buses, especially in relation to infrastructure development and connectivity to power sources.

Moreover, the OIG raised concerns about the lack of robust verification mechanisms in the Clean School Bus rebate and grant application process, leading to instances where third parties submitted applications on behalf of school districts, and entities were awarded funds without meeting program requirements.

The committee also criticized the EPA for what they perceive as favoritism towards electric buses, neglecting other clean school bus options. They pointed out disparities in funding amounts, where electric buses received significantly higher maximum awards compared to buses using alternative fuels like propane.

In response to these findings, the committee urged the EPA to address the identified shortcomings and ensure a fair and balanced approach in awarding grants and rebates under the Clean School Bus Program.

For more information, the full letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan can be accessed on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's website.

Contact:

Main: (202) 225-3641

Press: (202) 226-4972