Henrico County Public Schools, in Virginia, received $2.9 million in federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program to replace 10 diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles. This initiative is part of a larger effort that will see $735 million distributed to fund 70 projects in 27 states, aiming to purchase over 2,400 zero-emission vehicles. The goal of Henrico's project is to enhance air quality for students and the community, cut transportation costs, and establish a public-private partnership with Highland Electric Fleets. The EPA program, established under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to transition existing heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emission alternatives, promote clean vehicle infrastructure, and provide training for workers. The harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, posing a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations. Notably, the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program targets the adoption of zero-emission Class 6 and 7 vehicles, including various types like battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit buses. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine praised the funding, highlighting the positive impact on air quality and infrastructure, thanks to laws like the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure measures. The federal funding will also benefit other Virginia school districts like Roanoke City and Fairfax County, facilitating the purchase of nonpolluting school buses and contributing to a cleaner and sustainable future for generations to come.