COLUMBUS—State Representative Gary Scherer (R-Circleville) announced Thursday that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for its 2017 School Bus Rebate Program.

The EPA is offering up to $20,000 in grant money per vehicle to replace older school buses and up to $6,000 per vehicle for retrofits. New and retrofitted vehicles will help reduce harmful exhaust emission, improving the health of students and the community.

“I encourage schools to apply,” said Scherer. “This rebate program will give our schools the opportunity to replace older buses and reform our output on the environment.”

School districts, municipalities, or private entities that operate school buses through a contract may apply with the application form available at www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-rebates. The application period is open until Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.