FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2014) – Governor Steve Beshear announced today that the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ) has awarded Crittenden County Board of Education approximately $95,000 in Kentucky clean diesel grant funding to reduce diesel emissions from its school bus fleet. The funds were available as a result of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act. “Crittenden County continues to lead the way toward a cleaner, greener school bus fleet,” said Gov. Beshear. “Everyone benefits when we reduce diesel emissions in our communities – especially our children.” The project will replace four older model diesel school buses with four new school buses powered by propane autogas. Propane autogas burns cleaner than diesel, producing fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and eliminating emissions of particulate matter. Particulate matter is linked to increased risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Last year, Crittenden County Board of Education received grant funding to retrofit 14 diesel buses with emissions-control technologies and to replace one 1992 model diesel school bus with a 2014 model school bus powered by propane autogas – the first propane-powered bus for student transportation in the state. “Replacing older-model, diesel school buses can make a significant difference for cleaner air,” said DAQ Director Sean Alteri. “Fewer emissions mean students, drivers and residents can all breathe easier.” The new propane buses will produce 98 percent less nitrogen oxides emissions and 100 percent less particulate matter emissions than the buses they are replacing. The new buses will also save money. “Crittenden County has been thrilled with the cost savings of the propane-fueled bus we purchased last year,” said Crittenden County Transportation Director Al Starnes. “Considering all costs of maintenance and operation last year, the propane bus costs 23 cents per mile whereas our diesel buses cost an average of 56 cents per mile.” The addition of the four new propane buses will save an estimated $13,000 in the upcoming school year.
Blog
