It was about four years ago when the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal hit the news. Of the over $14 billion settlement, $2.9 billion was earmarked for the Environmental Mitigation Trust to fund projects that reduce NOx emissions. Since then, where has the funding gone?
Independence (Mo.) School District has added 10 propane school buses to its fleet, along with a propane fueling station. The district purchased the propane buses and fueling station using a $20,000 rebate from the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MOPERC) and a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant, according to a news release from MOPERC. The rebate is part of the agency’s Clean Bus Replacement Plan, which has committed $1 million to help Missouri school districts transition from diesel to propane buses.
As of July 1, 2020, the University of Pittsburgh has a new partner to shuttle students around campus. The Pittsburgh Transportation Group is now operating the University’s campus shuttles using an all-new fleet of 20 propane-powered shuttle buses equipped with passenger-counting technology and Wi-Fi. According to the University, the shift to propane-powered vehicles will help it move toward its carbon neutrality goals.
Nearly four years ago, the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal erupted. It led to a settlement of over $14 billion with $2.9 billion earmarked for the Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT) to fund projects that reduce nitrogen oxides — harmful emissions regulated under federal air quality standards because they are known to be harmful to human health and to the environment.
Explore the Propane Education & Resource Council’s new propane autogas resources webpage. The comprehensive site offers the latest information to stay educated on all things propane school bus. Resources include the differences between propane buses and other fuel sources; advantages of propane autogas for schools; fueling, case studies; Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust information; a savings calculator; and more. Be sure to sign up to receive PERC’s e-newsletter, The Autogas Refuel, for the latest news.
On August 26, 2020, Washington County Schools (WCS) celebrated the addition of five new propane-powered school buses to their fleet through a ribbon-cutting and “big check” presentation event. In late 2019, WCS applied for and won $102,500 towards their efforts to replace older diesel buses through the Tennessee’s “Reducing Diesel Emissions for a Healthier Tennessee” (RDE4HT) Rebate Program. The five new propane buses were received in June and July, checked and tested by WCS transportation staff and started use in recent weeks. Jonathan Overly of the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition served as the event emcee.
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