As part of a recent push by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines, approximately $10 million in DERA (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act) School Bus Rebates were awarded to local schools across the country, include two districts in Maine.
The funds will help with the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric, diesel, gasoline, propane, or compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses meeting current emission standards.
Two Maine School Administrative Units were among the 444 rebates issued for school bus replacements:
| State | Selectee Name | Region | Funding Offered/Accepted | # of Buses to be funded |
| ME | MSAD 28 | 1 | $65,000 | 1 |
| ME | RSU#16 | 1 | $20,000 | 1 |
See the full U.S. EPA media release which includes a full listing of awardees. Learn more about DERA (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act) School Bus Rebates visit: https://www.epa.gov/dera/rebates.