# The GREEN Buses Act: What It Actually Does

This bill creates a federal grant program to help public transit agencies buy or lease electric buses and upgrade their bus facilities to support them. Right now, many public transit systems still rely on diesel buses that produce pollution and emissions. This bill puts money behind switching to zero-emission buses—primarily electric buses that produce no carbon dioxide or harmful particles.

The program targets areas that need it most: cities and regions with air quality problems, places that have already committed to going electric, and low-income communities that often deal with the worst air pollution. Transit agencies that want to apply for these grants have to meet some basic requirements. They need to buy a meaningful number of buses (at least 10 buses for larger systems, or at least 5 for smaller ones that operate fewer than 50 buses total), and they have to show they have a real plan to eventually convert their entire fleet to zero-emission buses. They also need to do their homework first—studying how the switch will affect their routes, operations, and electricity costs.

The bill specifically requires that at least 10 percent of the grant money goes to projects serving low-income communities, ensuring that poorer neighborhoods benefit from cleaner air alongside wealthier areas. This matters because low-income communities often live near bus routes and highways and experience higher pollution levels. By requiring transit agencies to plan ahead and commit to long-term conversion goals, the bill aims to make sure this isn't just a one-time purchase of a few buses, but the beginning of a real shift toward cleaner public transportation.

GREEN Buses Act

Larsen, Rick

Generating Reduced Emissions by Electrifying New Buses Act or the GREEN Buses Act This bill limits eligibility for certain grants that support projects to reduce emissions of public transportation vehicles. Current law permits the use of the grants for (1) projects related to both low- and zero-emission vehicles, and (2) constructing new and improving existing public transportation facilities to accommodate such vehicles. This bill limits the use of the grants to (1) projects related to no-emission vehicles, and (2) improving existing public transportation facilities. The bill also sets out additional criteria that apply to the grants. For example, the bill specifies the minimum number of buses that must be procured through a grant. Furthermore, at least 10% of grant funds must be distributed to projects that predominately serve low-income communities.