ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of the Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) new grant program to expand the state’s fleet of electric school buses. The initiative is part of the governor’s $90 million climate commitment, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote healthier environments for schoolchildren statewide.
“Many communities are already seeing the consequences of climate change in their own backyards. Now, we need to ensure more Marylanders can see themselves in the progress of climate action,” Gov. Moore said. “Electrifying our school bus fleet isn’t just the responsible choice for our environment—it’s also the smart thing for our state’s economic competitiveness and our children’s health.”
$17 Million in Funding Available
The MEA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program will offer up to $17 million to support the purchase of electric school buses, charging stations, and associated costs. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursement for up to 85% of the incremental cost of qualified electric buses.
Individual grants are capped at $1.5 million per recipient, though income-qualified applicants or large school districts can request up to $2 million. Priority consideration will be given to projects that benefit Title I schools and underserved communities, ensuring an equitable transition to clean transportation.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to local school districts, as well as private vendors and contractors who provide school transportation services. Applications must be submitted by the district to either expand its fleet or support private operators.
Key program requirements include:
- New Bus Purchases Only: Retrofits and repowered vehicles are not eligible for funding.
- Funding Exclusivity: Vehicles funded through other Maryland state grants are ineligible for this program.
To encourage widespread participation, the program offers partial awards and operates on a cost-reimbursement basis.
“The Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program represents a convergence of the state’s climate, equity, and economic goals,” said Paul G. Pinsky, MEA director. “The program enables Maryland communities to overcome the initial costs associated with the shift to cleaner vehicles so that they can receive the long-term savings that come with reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Because of this program, our kids will breathe cleaner air, and our return on the investment of public funds will expand. That’s a clear win-win for Maryland.”
Application Process
Applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program must be submitted by February 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. EST. The MEA encourages interested parties to review the full program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application process available on the official program webpage.
For additional details, applicants can contact Natalie Buscemi, MEA Transportation Program Manager, at transportation.mea@maryland.gov or call 410-537-4071.
Advancing Maryland’s Climate Goals
The new program aligns with Maryland’s broader efforts to combat climate change, improve public health, and reduce economic barriers to adopting green technology. The initiative also positions the state as a leader in sustainable transportation, setting a precedent for how local governments can transition to cleaner energy while addressing the needs of underserved communities.
