Press Releases

Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Springfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall to announce a $9,908,555.00 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program to support the acquisition of a clean bus network for Springfield Public Schools.

Established under the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under Congressman Neal’s chairmanship, the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program provides funding to replace existing internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles. The program also supports the creation of clean vehicle infrastructure, as well as job training for workers to deploy new zero-emission technologies. The goal of the program is to reduce harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and improve air quality in communities across the country, particularly in those that have been overburdened by air pollution.

“The legislative achievements we witnessed under the Biden-Harris Administration rival those of the Great Society, and the Inflation Reduction Act is certainly part of that legacy. As the largest investment in our nation’s history to combat climate change, the IRA provided $412 billion to invest in clean technology and energy efficiency. Having served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee when the legislation was drafted, I am pleased to see communities throughout my district reaping the benefits of our historic achievements,” said Congressman Neal. “From investing in our water system to promoting green spaces throughout the city, Springfield has a long history of supporting initiatives that improve our quality of living. I applaud Mayor Sarno and his administration for continuing to pursue these federal dollars and investing in programs that will improve our city’s air quality.”

“I would like to commend and congratulate our Springfield Public Schools on securing this significant grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding, which was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in our nation’s history, will provide continued tangible benefits to our community, including cleaner air and improved health for our community,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “Springfield has a long history of being a regional leader in successful and effective climate action and this funding for new zero-emission school busses supports our efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. I am also grateful to Congressman Neal – once a mayor, always the heart of a mayor – for his continued leadership, advocacy, and support on behalf of our Springfield. My administration is proud of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and improve indoor and outdoor air quality throughout the city. This is especially important for our schools, where we continue to make critical investments in HVAC systems, boilers, kitchens and major facilities upgrades to playgrounds, and more. This is a critical time for cities like our Springfield to continue our efforts to reduce pollution and enhance our climate resilience, and also address environmental and climate justice challenges.  We are grateful for this support are looking forward to continuing to build upon our resilience.”

In partnership with First Student, Inc., the City of Springfield will use this funding to purchase a new fleet of electric buses to replace internal combustion engine Class 7 vehicles, as well as charging equipment to maintain the new zero-emission vehicles. Funding will also be used to provide workforce development and training for staff, drivers, mechanics, and public safety officials to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the zero-electric buses and chargers. This acquisition will help reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, ultimately improving air quality throughout the city.

“This federal EPA funding is a significant step forward in our commitment towards a more sustainable future for our students and community,” said Springfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall. “Upgrading our buses reduces emissions, improves transportation, and empowers our students by highlighting the importance of investing in their well-being and the environment. We are grateful to Congressman Neal, Mayor Sarno, and the EPA for supporting our efforts to create an environment where every child can thrive.”

“We are seeing communities in every corner of our nation benefitting from this legislation, and the results speak for themselves. More than 330,000 jobs have been created as a result of the IRA, and more than $265 billion in clean energy investments have been announced in the private sector since its enactment,” continued Congressman Neal. “Our position was clear from the start – these programs ought not to be punitive, but rather a means for all communities to capitalize on a growing sector and stimulate economic growth. Any attempts by the Trump Administration to claw back funding and cut these programs will impede the progress we’ve made in investing in clean technology, improving our local environments, and creating jobs.”

Springfield was one of five Massachusetts applicants, including four school districts and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, totaling more than $55 million in federal funding. In total, the EPA announced 70 awards across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory, totaling more than $735 million to assist in the purchase of over 2,400 zero-emission vehicles. More information about the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program can be found on the EPA’s website.

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