Study Proves Propane Buses Lower Harmful NOx Emissions
With back to school time happening across the country, it was exciting to read the recent headline, “West Virginia University Study Finds Propane School Buses Dramatically Decrease Harmful Emissions.”
A study by university researchers concluded emissions measured from propane school buses are significantly lower than those from diesel buses. Finding ways to significantly reducing harmful emissions has been driving us since we began developing propane engines well over a decade ago. And, this provides more data that we are on the right track.
The study concentrated on nitrogen oxides (NOx) — highly damaging emissions that are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment. According to the West Virginia University study commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council, NOx emissions are:
- 34 times higher in a diesel school bus than in a propane bus, over a stop-and-go route.
- 15 to 19 times higher in the diesel school bus over a hot- and cold-start city route.
Bottom line: Propane autogas school buses reduce NOx by at least 95 percent.
As PERC’s Tucker Perkins says, this study is “monumental from an emissions and health perspective for students, schools, and communities across the country.”
Because exposure to NOx exhaust can trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues, propane autogas school buses are better for human health and the environment, and a better choice for schools. That’s great news for the more than 1 million students in over 900 school districts across the nation who ride to school in propane school buses each day.
For more information about emissions-reducing propane school buses please call us at 800.59.ROUSH.
Enjoy the last days of summer!
