By Bob Katzen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Massachusetts will receive more than $55 million to purchase more than 200 zero-emission vehicles through its first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.

The program will replace existing internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, while also supporting the build out of clean vehicle infrastructure, as well as the training of workers to deploy these new zero-emission technologies.

Recipients of the funds to replace current school buses with zero-emission vehicles include four school districts: $35 million for Boston; $6.6 million for Springfield; $2.9 million for Hingham; and $4.9 million for the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources will receive $5.8 million to replace some vehicles with battery electric vehicles and install 16 Level 2 charging stations and eight direct current fast charger stations at eight sites.

“Everyone deserves clean air and a healthy environment, and the … program is another step toward making that a reality,” said EPA Regional Administrator David Cash. “By replacing older, polluting vehicles, like school buses and box trucks, with zero-emission alternatives, this program is driving innovation in clean transportation, reducing harmful air pollution in Massachusetts communities and creating good-paying jobs. These grants are an investment in healthier communities, cutting-edge technology and a cleaner, more sustainable future for our children.”