EPA DERA funding to reduce emissions from three school buses in Iowa

As part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent awarding of $7 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding, two school districts in Iowa will receive a total of $60,000 to replace or retrofit three older diesel school buses.

While the EPA has put regulations on newer diesel engines to reduce emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, many older diesel engines are still in use. The agency’s DERA program works to remove those engines from the nation’s roads, through vehicle replacement or newer engine retrofitting. Since 2008, the program has successfully lead to reduced emissions from more than 60,000 engines.

In Iowa, Manning’s IKM-Manning Community School District will receive $40,000 for two school buses, and the Sioux City Community School District will receive $20,000 for one bus. Throughout the country, the recent round of funding will replace or retrofit 400 school buses in 35 states.

“Schools and other organizations that install clean diesel technology are doing more than just saving money — they’re creating cleaner, healthier air for children and all community residents,”  EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality Director Christopher Grundler said. “This program continues to help thousands of children breathe easier and lead safer lives year after year.”