Buses reduce pollutants linked to health problems
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2015) — The Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the Fleming County and Bell County boards of education have been awarded a portion of more than $3 million in rebates to replace older diesel school buses with new buses. The new buses are more than 90 percent cleaner, reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are linked to health problems including asthma and lung damage.
Nationwide, 67 school bus fleets in 30 states will receive rebates through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding to replace school buses.
Since 2008, the program has funded more than 600 clean diesel projects and reduced emissions for more than 60,000 engines.
EPA has implemented standards to make diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses remain in operation and predate these standards. Older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are linked to health problems.
Applicants were randomly selected and placed in order on a list until a total of $3 million was allocated. This was EPA’s second round of the rebate program aimed at replacing older diesel school buses. Public and private school bus fleets were eligible to apply for rebates for the replacement of school buses with engine model years of 2006 or older.
Related news:
Fleming County schools earn ENERGY STAR certification
TARC in Louisville gets $4.4 million grant for all-electric buses
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