Thursday, March 28, 2024

EPA Clean Diesel Program allows for replacement of 31 school buses in Connecticut

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded six Clean Diesel Program rebates to schools and school bus service providers in Connecticut, facilitating the replacement of 31 school buses with a total of $525,000.

“Here in Connecticut we will all breathe a little easier and healthier as a result of federal funds allowing us to replace older, diesel-powered school buses with newer, cleaner models,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said. "While reducing diesel emissions from these buses has the most significant health benefit for the school children who ride on them every day, use of the new buses will help improve air quality for everyone.”

The Clean Diesel Program reduces air pollution from older diesel engines, which emit high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, by encouraging their replacement with new, cleaner diesel engines. The EPA funding for Connecticut schools was part of more than $7 million that went toward replacing or retrofitting 400 school buses across the country.

“Investing in clean diesel school buses will help ensure cleaner air for our children and for all community members,” Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office, said. “Thanks to the Clean Diesel program, thousands of children can breathe easier and enjoy better health.”