2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program
Vehicle Replacement Guidelines
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program
Vehicle Replacement Guidelines
Legacy Emissions Division
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
NOTICE
This technical report does not necessarily represent final EPA decisions or positions. It is
intended to present technical analysis of issues using data that are currently available.
The purpose in the release of such reports is to facilitate the exchange of technical
information and to inform the public of technical developments.
United States
Environmental Protectio
^1 M *Agency
EPA-420-B-26-010
March 2026
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Introduction
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that mobile source funding
assistance recipients provide evidence of vehicle replacement for all projects involving the
replacement of existing internal combustion engines, vehicles, and equipment with new, lower
emitting technologies. For the 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program, this vehicle
replacement requirement is based on the model year and fuel type of the existing buses
associated with that 2023 CSB Rebate project, as stated within Section 9 of the 2023 CSB Rebate
Program Guide.
The guidelines in this document are intended to facilitate and expedite the 2023 CSB Rebate
project closeout process by streamlining selectees' submission of existing vehicle replacement
evidence. Selectees are encouraged to apply these guidelines when compiling their vehicle
evidence in preparation for submission of their 2023 CSB Rebate Close Out Form. Otherwise, EPA
review and approval may take additional time, and require re-submissions to correct errors or
add missing information. This guidance document includes the following content for the 2023
CSB Rebate Program1:
• Existing Vehicle, and Engine Scrappage Evidence
• Replacement Vehicle Evidence
• Charging Infrastructure Evidence
• Submission Guidance
Please refer to the 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Forms: Close Out Form User Guide for
specific requirements pertaining to submitting scrappage evidence through the 2023 CSB Rebate
Close Out Form. Additional information pertaining to vehicle replacement evidence is available
in Section 9 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide, and throughout the 2023 CSB Rebate
Question and Answers document.2
Existing Vehicle and Engine Replacement Evidence
Funding under the 2023 CSB Rebate Program cannot be used for the purchase of vehicles to
expand a fleet. Thus, the vehicle being replaced must be either scrapped, sold, or donated
based on the model year of the vehicle. If scrapped, a signed scrappage letter is required for
each replaced vehicle, in addition to photographic evidence. All scrapped vehicles should be
permanently disabled prior to submitting the Close Out Form by:
1 Note that this guidance document is specific to the 2023 CSB Rebate Program. All funding recipients should
collaborate with their EPA point of contact, or funding opportunity helpline to ensure they meet the requirements
of their specific funding program.
2 Clean School Bus Rebate Program Question and Answers documents are updated periodically. However, all
documents may be found on the Clean School Bus Rebates: Past Program Documents page.
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1. Disabling the engine: cut a three-inch-by-three-inch hole in the engine block (the part of
the engine containing the cylinders), or of another, pre-approved scrappage method that
permanently disables the engine.
2. Disabling the chassis: cut completely through the frame/frame rails on each side of the
vehicle at a point located between the front and rear axles, or of another pre-approved,
scrappage method that permanently disables the chassis.
Other acceptable scrappage methods, such as shredding, may be considered and will require
prior EPA approval. Selectees seeking approval for alternative scrappage methods must submit
an alternative scrappage plan to cleanschoolbus(5)epa.gov detailing how the method will
destroy or disable the engine, and must, if approved, comply with the evidence requirements
stated within Section 9 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide. Requests to use alternative
scrappage methods should not delay Close Out Form submission; thus, selectees should request
any alternative scrappage methods well in advance of the May 2026 Close Out Form submission
deadline and ensure that, if approved, scrappage would be completed prior to the Close Out
Form deadline.
Existing Vehicle Photographic Evidence
Existing vehicles that are model year 2010 or older diesel school buses must be scrapped in
accordance with Section 3 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide. As stated in Section 9 of the
CSB Rebate Program Guide, submission of the 2023 CSB Rebate Close Out Form must contain
photographic evidence of the destroyed engine and chassis rail for each scrapped bus. Selectees
must submit clear photographic evidence for the EPA to confirm that the vehicles listed within
the 2023 CSB Rebate Close Out Form are the same vehicles depicted within the photographic
evidence. A detailed list of required photographic evidence with examples is found below.
1. Side profile of the existing vehicle prior to completed scrappage.
Required Identifiers:
• Side profile of vehicle/engine/equipment with legible license plate, or another unique
identifier.
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2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label.
Image must include a legible, 17-character, VIN number. The photo should be a readable display
of the VIN plate rather than a photo of just the bus with the VIN imposed over the photo.
Required Identifiers:
• On-Highway VIN, or VECI label
• Vehicle Manufacturer
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Engine Model Year
ID/Serial Number
EPA Family Name
3. Engine Label
Required Identifiers:
• Engine Model Year
• Engine Serial Number
• EPA Engine Family Name
4. Engine block prior to completed scrappage. Image must clearly show the engine block prior
to scrappage.
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5. Engine block after completed scrappage. Image must clearly show the engine block rendered
permanently inoperable [e.g., hole drilled, crushed, or shredded).
6. Cut chassis rail(s) or other structural components. Image must clearly show chassis rails, or
other cut structural components rendered permanently inoperable {e.g., irreparable cuts,
crushed, or shredded).
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7. Optional: Fully Destroyed Vehicle/Equipment (e.g., shredded or crushed)
Existing Vehicle Scrappage Certification Statement
In addition to the photographic evidence outlined above, selectees must submit a letter signed
by the scrap yard or scrapping entity that details the existing bus owner, scrap yard, date of
scrappage, and existing bus VIN number. A sample scrappage certification letter is listed on page
33 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide.
Existing Vehicle Sale or Donation
If a fleet has no eligible 2010 or older diesel school buses AND is requesting zero emission
school bus replacements, a 2011 or newer diesel or non-diesel internal combustion engine bus
can be scrapped, sold, or donated. If the selectee sells or donates their existing bus, the
selectee must attest to this within the Close Out Form. The selectee must also upload proof of
sale or donation documentation to confirm the transaction. The documentation should state
the previous owner, new owner, date of transfer, and the VIN(s) associated with the transaction.
Replacement (New) Vehicle Photographic Evidence
Per Section 10 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide, selectees must submit photographic
evidence for all new lower emission school buses purchased with EPA funds. A detailed list of
required photographic evidence with examples is found immediately below. Note that each
photo of the bus exterior must have a clear, unique identifier and the VIN tag photo must show
the VIN that is listed within the 2023 CSB Rebate Close Out Form. A detailed list of required
photographic evidence with examples is found immediately below.
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1. Front profile of the New Vehicle: Clear image, with unique identifier (e.g., bus number).
2. Side profile of New Vehicle: Clear image, must include a unique identifier (e.g., bus
number).
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3. VIN tag: I mage must include a legible vehicle information plate that displays the 17-
character VIN and manufacturer. The photo should be a readable display of the VIN plate
rather than a photo of just the bus with the VIN imposed over the photo.
WITH CALIhUKHIATJ kRItARltU CUCV. mn- mm I ¦ Mil
niiimni -«***
445YRB *92078001
LRRA
CI - 1 IW
PNVX2VOCVXMU " vjN; 4DREBE2N3RB192078
FUEL TYPE: ELECTRIC
qVWR:_J4969__KG
33000 !-E3
i
Date of MFR:
10/2023
Emission Control
Identifiers:
LRRA
Fuel Type:
PROPANE
VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
VIN - 1BAKGCHH3RF805446
Vocational vehicles with 19,501-
33.000 pounds GVWR
VEHICLE FAMILY NAME - PBBB2VOCWIHD
THIS VEHICLE COMPLIES WITH U.S. AND CALIFORNIA EPA
REGULATIONS FOR MY 2023 .HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES
THIS VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED AS A
SCHOOL BUS UNDER 40 CFR
1037.105(h).
See driver's handbook tor proper maintenance ot thi^Nehicle
GAWR: Fi
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EPA-Funded Infrastructure Photographic Evidence
Per Section 10 of the 2023 CSB Rebate Program Guide, selectees must also submit photographic
evidence for all infrastructure purchased with EPA funds. A detailed list of required
photographic evidence with examples is found immediately below.
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1. Infrastructure Unit: A clear, legible photo of each infrastructure unit's plate, including
the serial number and manufacturer.
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2. Installed unit: A clear photo of each installed infrastructure unit.
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Submission Guidance
For the 2023 CSB Rebate Program, all vehicle replacement evidence must be submitted through
the Close Out Form via the Applicant Dashboard. There may be select instances when
submitting evidence via email is appropriate. In such instances, an EPA point of contact will
prompt the funding recipient to submit the evidence via email as they continue to review the
Close Out Form. Please reference the 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Forms: Close Out Form
User Guide for more information on submitting documentation and photographic evidence.
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