JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Jackson Public School District (JPS) is weakening its carbon footprint thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

JPS received a $9.5 million grant to purchase 25 energy efficient school buses and support infrastructure.

The grant is part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus program, which has allocated funding to school districts nationwide to procure electric and low-emission school buses. 

“For millions of kids, the yellow school bus is not just a means of transportation, but it’s a time where they congregate with their friends, build community, create lasting memories,” said U.S. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

The energy efficient school buses will feature state of the art technology, including cameras, speakers and rechargeable batteries.

Officials said the buses will eliminate school bus exhaust, reduce health risks and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.