COMMUNITY ADVOCATES FOR CLEAN ENERGY
Clean Energy Schools
These funding mechanisms empower schools to embrace sustainability, foster healthier learning environments, and provide students valuable opportunities to engage with renewable energy technologies.
EPA Clean School Bus Program (CSB)
Five billion dollars are available through multiple rounds over five years (Fiscal Years 2022-2026) to replace existing diesel school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Round number three just closed; expect the next round of grant applications by late spring 2024.
Eligibility: public school districts, charter schools, and fleet operators in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and Tribal nations. Some funding is allocated to priority high-need, rural, or Tribal schools.
Clean School Bus Program | US EPA
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Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Clean Energy Credits
All schools and nonprofits can use IRA tax credits as a direct payment.
Eligibility: solar arrays, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, geothermal, lighting automation, weatherization, electric vehicles and chargers, etc.
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FACT SHEET: IRA Tax Credits Can Fund School Facilities and Reduce School District Energy Bills
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Nonprofits Can Benefit from Energy-Efficient Tax Deduction (179D)
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PA SOLAR SCHOOL MAP
Are you curious about finding a school with solar energy near you? How does your Pennsylvania stand in terms of solar adoption by schools? Please take a moment to explore the interactive map from our latest report (Generation 180). It's an empowering tool that sheds light on our progress towards a more sustainable future. Your interest and engagement can make a real difference. Let's illuminate the path together!
Pennsylvania colleges and universities are leading the way in the transition to clean energy. Swarthmore uses 110% renewable energy, Bryn Mawr College uses 100% renewable energy, and Northampton Community College's Monroe Campus is LEED Gold and Net-Zero building certified. Phoenixville Hares Hill Road Elementary School's new construction (2025, completion date) doesn’t even have their roof reinforced and prewired to be solar panel ready; they need to improve to be considered an example of incredible initiators in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Renew America's Schools Prize
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, June 13, 2024, 2 pm PDT.
Grant Help
The DOE is hosting Office Hours to help applicants assess the appropriateness of their projects and help them get their applications into the system. Office hours are: April 24, 2024, 1:00 pm EDT - May 29, 2024, 2:00 pm EDT.
Check https://www.herox.com/renewschoolsprize/timeline for updates
Renew America's Schools (DOE): Five hundred million dollars to promote the implementation of clean energy improvements at K-12 public schools nationwide.
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Eligibility: high-need K-12 public and charter schools.
Solar for Schools - HB1032
PA legislation proposes to provide grants to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, and community colleges to fund solar energy projects. The Senate has passed PA HB1032 and the bill if passed by the house is expected in April 2024.
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The lead sponsor is Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, District 184.
Solar for Schools (pahouse.com)
Individuals and school districts urged to support this legislation: