Jackson Public Schools has been awarded a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. This transformative investment will enable the district to replace aging Class 6 and Class 7 diesel school buses with modern, zero-emission electric buses, significantly reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality for scholars and the broader Jackson community. The buses acquired through this grant will complement the 25 buses already purchased through a 2022 Clean Bus Rebate Grant.

The grant, which totals $4,923,958, will fund the purchase of Class 7 electric school buses and the installation of 40kW Level 3 DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations equipped with dual CCS1 connectors. These chargers will allow for rapid recharging of the new electric fleet, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation for students across the district.

“This grant represents a major step forward in our commitment to student health, environmental stewardship, and operational sustainability,” said Dr. Errick Greene, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools. “By incorporating electric buses, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also investing in cleaner air and quieter streets for our neighborhoods.”

The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, supports school districts and municipalities nationwide in replacing diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. Jackson Public Schools’ award is part of a broader federal effort to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Project implementation has already begun. The new electric buses are expected to be deployed by the start of the 2026–2027 school year. The district will also provide training for transportation staff and collaborate with local partners to ensure a smooth transition to electric operations.

Jackson Public Schools was the only school district in Mississippi to receive an EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant. For more information about the CHDV Grant Program, visit www.epa.gov.