Press Releases

Today, Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) introduced the Community Health and Clean Transit Act. The bipartisan bill would help accelerate the shift to battery electric and fuel cell electric buses in bus fleets across the country by providing zero-interest loans to help finance the purchase of zero-emission buses.

“Our bipartisan legislation would help make America’s bus fleets cleaner, more environmentally-friendly, and more durable,” said Beyer. “The idea is a simple o>ne: zero-interest loans for zero-emission buses, improving transit and public health at the same time. I deeply appreciate the support of my colleagues Mike Rogers and Alan Lowenthal, and look forward to pushing this important legislation forward.”

“I was proud to work with my colleague Rep. Beyer to introduce this legislation, which would help incentivize companies to buy electric buses, like the ones made in Alabama’s Third Congressional District,” said Rogers. “Helping localities make good investments over time is something both parties can agree on, and I’m happy to support it.”

“Electric and fuel cell-powered buses are vital to ensure we can move our transportation system off fossil fuels,” said Lowenthal. “California’s SB 1 funds and the federal Low or No Emission grant program have enabled LA Metro, OCTA, and Long Beach Transit to invest in zero-emission fleets, but we need every tool to meet this challenge. The Community Health and Clean Transit Act will help transit agencies across the country invest in cleaner, quieter buses and accelerate our progress towards a carbon-free economy”

The Community Health and Clean Transit Act would authorize $15 million a year to cover the loan subsidies for transit fleets, leveraging critical infrastructure dollars. Loans would be available to cover the purchase of vehicles, as well as necessary fueling infrastructure, technical assistance, and infrastructure improvements.

Text of The Community Health and Clean Transit Act is available here.