The Illinois State Board of Education has been awarded nearly $20 million to begin transitioning to zero-emission buses.

ISBE will begin by distributing $19.9 million to nine school districts, replacing 70 combustion-engine buses with zero-emission electric buses and charging stations. The grant will also fund training to support the technology, designed to aid in “reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.”

The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program provides the grant, an initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The program aims to improve air quality by cutting harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.

“With this funding, we’re building on our progress toward a more sustainable future by providing nine school districts with the resources to advance our clean energy goals,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release.

“Thanks to our federal and local partners, we’re creating healthier and cleaner environments for students and communities across the state.”

The grant will also allow for two full-time ISBE staff members to support the grant’s implementation and work with school districts on other green initiatives.

The following suburban Chicago school districts will be the first to receive zero-emission school buses as well as the charging infrastructure needed as provided by the grant: Forest Park School District 91 (five buses), Franklin Park School District 84 (three buses), Hazel Crest School District 152.5 (one bus), Joliet Township High School District 204 (10 buses), Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 (four buses), Marengo Union Elementary CSD 165 (two buses), Township High School District 113 (Highland Park) (three buses), Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C (32 buses), and Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 (10 buses).

Three other school districts will receive funding through ISBE’s grant. Grayslake Community Consolidated District 46, North Chicago CUSD 187 and Zion Elementary District 6 were awarded direct funding through the program to be put toward other green energy initiatives.

“Clean transportation solutions not only create healthier living and learning environments for our students but also save money for our school districts and taxpayers,” state Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a news release. “I am proud of our staff here at the Illinois State Board of Education for winning this competitive grant and securing this valuable investment in Illinois’ clean energy future.”

Other interested school districts in Illinois can apply for funding for zero-emission school buses by applying for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 9.