PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Mikayla Ortega
Communications Director
505-718-3212
mortega@nmvoices.org

New funding opportunity helps school districts invest in cleaner air, lower operating costs, and modern school transportation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – July 10, 2026 – Many New Mexico school districts may not realize that $54 million is currently available to help purchase electric school buses, install charging infrastructure, and access technical assistance through the state’s Community Benefit Fund.

Established through SB 48 during the 2025 New Mexico legislative session, the Community Benefit Fund invests in locally driven projects that strengthen communities, create jobs, and help address climate challenges. As part of that investment, school districts across New Mexico have the opportunity to apply for funding to modernize their bus fleets with electric school buses.

For schools, the funding presents an opportunity to improve student health while reducing long-term transportation costs.

Traditional diesel school buses expose children to exhaust containing dozens of harmful air pollutants, including known carcinogens. Students breathe these emissions while waiting at bus stops and during their daily commute to and from school. Replacing diesel buses with electric buses eliminates tailpipe emissions, providing children with cleaner air and quieter rides that support healthier learning environments.

Electric school buses also offer significant financial benefits. They cost less to fuel and maintain than diesel buses because they have fewer moving parts and lower operating costs. Some electric buses can also provide energy storage capabilities that help strengthen local electrical infrastructure.

Remaining application windows through the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority include:

Cycle 2: Applications open June 18, 2026, and close July 17, 2026.

Cycle 3: Applications open July 20, 2026, and close August 19, 2026.

School districts interested in applying can find program information, eligibility requirements, and application materials through the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority.

“Every child deserves a clean, healthy ride to school,” said Maya Anthony, Research and Policy Analyst for NM Voices for Children. “Too many New Mexico students are still exposed to harmful diesel pollution every day. This funding gives school districts a real opportunity to protect children’s health, improve learning environments, and save money at the same time. We encourage every eligible district to apply and take advantage of this investment.”

To learn more about the benefits of electric school buses, available funding, and why this investment matters for New Mexico students and communities, read our blog.

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New Mexico Voices for Children is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advocating for policies to improve the health and well-being of New Mexico’s children, families and communities.
505-244-9505 (p); www.nmvoices.org