The National School Transportation Association described the EPA’s decision to freeze electric school bus rebate funding as 'extremely disruptive,' highlighting concerns over delays that could hinder the transition to cleaner, safer school buses. This public statement reflects the association's engagement with regulatory policies that affect safety standards and environmental progress in student transportation.

During its annual Capitol Hill Bus-In held from March 26-28, 2025, the National School Transportation Association announced the formal introduction of its top legislative initiative, the Driving Forward Act, aimed at extending CDL exemptions for school bus drivers. This effort seeks to eliminate the under‐the‐hood testing barrier, thereby increasing driver accessibility and supporting a more inclusive workforce within the school transportation sector through active lobbying and engagement with lawmakers.

In 2022, the National School Transportation Association spent $255,000 on lobbying activities, as reported by OpenSecrets, indicating active political engagement to influence legislative and regulatory matters affecting private school bus operators.

In a major legislative victory, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) successfully lobbied for amendments in the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Act. These amendments addressed issues in the Clean School Bus Program by providing direct access to grants for private school bus operators and seeking greater flexibility in the five‐year service requirement, potentially leveling the playing field for contractors.