The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Livingston Parish and Jefferson Parish in Louisiana will receive a total of $12.7 million to replace 45 diesel school buses with zero-emission vehicles through the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. This initiative, part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, aims to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and address climate change impacts. The grant will fund the disposal of existing Class 7 diesel school buses and their replacement with Class 7 zero-emission battery electric school buses in both parishes. Jefferson Parish will receive $7.1 million for 25 buses, while Livingston Parish will be granted $5.6 million for 20 buses. The EPA's program supports the build-out of clean vehicle infrastructure and the training of workers for deploying these new technologies. Over 2,000 zero-emission vehicles, including a small number of hydrogen fuel cell transit buses, will be purchased across various states, Tribal Nations, and a territory. The funding will also cover clean vehicle fueling infrastructure and workforce development. The focus on replacing heavy-duty vehicles aims to reduce harmful emissions, create good-paying jobs, and enhance air quality, particularly in communities burdened by pollution. The program aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, prioritizing disadvantaged communities facing air quality challenges. The grants also aim to support the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. EPA's grant program emphasizes environmental justice by funding projects in communities affected by poor air quality. Approximately $523 million of the allocated funds will support projects in areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter and ozone. Through these initiatives, the EPA seeks to promote engagement with affected communities and ensure their meaningful participation in project planning and execution.