Derek Roch

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a restructuring of the $5 billion Clean School Bus Program and opened a public consultation on alternative fuel technologies ahead of the 2026 funding round.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on February 19, 2026 outlined a path forward for revising the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program, including the launch of a Request for Information (RFI) and the cancellation of the 2024 CSB Rebate Program. The agency stated that the changes are intended to strengthen oversight and compliance and to align future funding rounds with current federal policy priorities. The announcement was released by the EPA Press Office.

Propane retailers attending the 2025 LP Gas Growth Summit answered this question:

What technologies has your company implemented, or do you plan to implement, to better your operation?

An area business has added some new members to its vehicle fleet. Trobec’s Bus Service in  St. Joseph has added five new 2026 propane-powered school buses to its fleet thanks to a partnership with North Central Bus and Equipment. Trobec’s says the additional buses reflect its commitment to environmental responsibility, operational excellence, and student safety.

The new propane buses have cleaner emissions, advanced safety technology, and run quieter than traditional buses. The company says they are excited about what the new buses mean for its drivers, passengers, and the company’s future.

For years, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools has hosted an Angel Tree, providing students and families with a little Christmas cheer for the holidays. This year, the district gave that holiday joy to 350 kids.

In Northwestern Minnesota, White Earth Public Transit sought alternative fueling options to reduce fuel costs and improve the reliability of services to residents of the state’s largest Indian reservation in one of the most rural and coldest regions in the state. It began exploring propane autogas as a fuel source.  

In Chester County, the traditional hum of gasoline engines is set to be replaced by the quieter, cleaner hiss of propane, as the Department of Community Transit initiates the switch of Chesco Connect buses from gasoline to propane power.

When Barbara Cline began delivering Meals on Wheels in Spearfish, South Dakota, she didn’t plan to lead one of the most expansive rural transit systems in the state. 

Through her work, she met seniors who couldn’t reach meal sites, grocery stores, or medical appointments. She saw a more profound need within the elderly community and, with encouragement from her sister, a social worker, Cline decided to act.