The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has opened applications for its Texas Clean School Bus (TCSB) Program, which is part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The program offers grants to help reduce diesel exhaust emissions from school buses across the state.
According to TCEQ, the goal of the program is to decrease children’s exposure to diesel exhaust in and around diesel-fueled school buses. “TCEQ administers this program to reduce children’s exposure to diesel exhaust in and around diesel-fueled school buses,” a statement from the agency said.
Public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and countywide transportation systems operating at least one diesel-fueled school bus are eligible to apply. Private schools do not qualify for this funding.
The grants can cover up to 80% of the eligible incremental costs for purchasing replacement school buses. Funding is also available for retrofitting existing buses with emission-reducing equipment. Eligible replacement projects include swapping out 2006 model year or older diesel-fueled buses with newer models. The old buses must have been owned, registered, and operated by the applicant in Texas for at least two years prior to applying and must be used on regular daily routes during the school year.
For retrofit projects, funding supports equipment such as closed crankcase filtration systems, diesel particulate filters, or diesel oxidation catalysts. Buses selected for retrofitting must also operate daily routes and have at least five years of useful life remaining.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. CST on May 22, 2026, or until all funds are awarded. More information about eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found on the TCSB webpage. Details about other emission reduction programs managed by TCEQ are available at www.terpgrants.org.
To stay informed about updates regarding TERP programs, interested parties can join TCEQ’s email list.
