The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded South Carolina with $620,000 to replace 31 school buses with new cleaner models. 

"We are pleased to have been awarded this funding which will go to replacing our state's aging fleet with lower emission and more efficient buses," said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.

"The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control played an integral role in the application process and we appreciate their support as these funds will truly benefit the health and safety of students and communities in our state," concluded Spearman. 

The EPA awarded more than $8.7 million across the United States to replace or retrofit older diesel school buses. The funds are in the form of rebates through the EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding. The new and retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to health problems such as asthma and lung damage.

South Carolina is receiving 7 bus rebates that will provide $620,000 to replace 31 school buses in the following 7 school districts: