The Village of New Square has been awarded $26,559,597 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace 48 diesel school buses with zero-emission electric buses. The funding will also cover the installation of 48 fast chargers and support community training and outreach. This initiative is part of a broader $125.1 million allocation to New York State under the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, which was created through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The program aims to reduce harmful air pollution, improve air quality, and deliver significant health benefits, particularly in communities historically overburdened by pollution. Across the nation, the program is supporting the purchase of over 2,400 zero-emission vehicles, marking a major step forward in decarbonizing transportation and reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia praised the initiative, stating, “EPA’s investments in clean heavy-duty vehicles prove that protecting public health and supporting economic growth can, and do, go hand in hand.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed her sentiments, highlighting the program’s potential to reduce carbon emissions and create union jobs. “This substantial federal investment will help reduce harmful carbon emissions in New York’s communities and promote good-paying union jobs,” Schumer said.
The funding for New Square represents a significant investment in the future of sustainable transportation for the village. By transitioning to electric school buses, the village aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, creating a healthier environment for its residents, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to air pollution.
Yisroel Eisenbach, Trustee of Spring Valley and former Deputy Mayor, played a key role in supporting New Square’s application for the grant. In a letter to the EPA dated July 23, 2024, Eisenbach emphasized the importance of the project for the region. “As Trustee of Spring Valley, I have always made it my business to promote the reduction of air pollution and to work to provide a healthier environment for our community,” he wrote. Eisenbach also highlighted the direct benefits for students in the Ramapo District, noting that electric buses provide clean-air transportation with no tailpipe emissions.
Eisenbach’s advocacy for environmental initiatives extends beyond transportation. He recently oversaw the opening of a new park in Spring Valley, further demonstrating his commitment to creating greener and healthier spaces for residents.
This electrification project in New Square is part of a larger national push to modernize transportation and reduce emissions. The EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program focuses on disadvantaged communities with significant air quality challenges. Approximately 70% of the program’s funding is allocated to support clean school bus initiatives, ensuring children across the country have access to safer and healthier transportation options.
The project is expected to roll out over the next two to three years, with immediate and long-term benefits for New Square and surrounding areas. By embracing zero-emission technologies, New Square is setting a powerful example of how federal funding can be leveraged to improve public health, combat climate change, and foster economic growth.
There’s going to be a lot of kids not getting to school.