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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today commended the Biden-Harris Administration’s stronger emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Along with the Administration’s proposal, Dingell announced that the Dearborn Public School District would receive a $300,000 rebate under the American Rescue Plan for an electric school bus and charging infrastructure.

“Electrifying our mobility sector will require investments and strong emissions reduction policies to make a swift transition to electrifying trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles,” said Dingell. “Through these proposed regulations, we can protect our environment and give the trucking industry the tools to build the next generation of heavy-duty vehicles in the United States. We will continue to bring industry, labor, and environmental advocates together to build consensus around the future of American mobility.

“This work begins at home with local leaders utilizing federal funds to electrify their vehicle fleets,” she continued. “That’s why I am thrilled that the Dearborn Public School District was one of the first districts in the entire country to receive funding to replace old diesel school buses with brand new electric ones. That is the type of leadership we need to replicate across the country if we are going to electrify our cars, buses, and trucks, and protect our air and environment.”

About the Proposed Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Protect Overburdened Communities and Advance the Transition to a Zero-Emissions Future:

As directed by President Biden’s Executive Order, “Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks,” this proposed action would reduce NOx emissions from trucks by as much as 60 percent in 2045 and would result in widespread air quality improvements across the United States, especially in areas already overburdened by air pollution and diesel emissions. The benefits of the proposed rule would exceed its costs by billions of dollars. EPA estimates that by 2045 the most stringent option outlined in today’s proposal would result in the following annual benefits:

• Up to 2,100 fewer premature deaths
• 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits 
• 18,000 fewer cases of asthma onset in children 
• 3.1 million fewer cases of asthma symptoms and allergic rhinitis symptoms
• 78,000 fewer lost days of work
• 1.1 million fewer lost school days for children

About the 2021 American Rescue Plan Electric School Bus Rebate Awards:

The first rebate awards announced today are the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates. This new $7 million program provides funds to replace old diesel school buses with new, zero-emission electric school buses. The funds are reserved exclusively for school districts in underserved communities, Tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. This program will award funding for 23 electric school bus replacements and associated charging infrastructure.