The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $7 million in new rebates to replace or retrofit 400 older diesel school buses. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) rebates are going to 85 school bus fleets 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,” says Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “This program continues to help thousands of children breathe easier and lead safer lives year after year.”
This is the EPA’s third round of the rebate program aimed at replacing older diesel school buses. Applicants replacing buses with engine model years of 2006 and older will receive rebates between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the size of the bus.
This year, applicants also had the option of retrofitting school buses with engine model years between 1994 to 2006 with a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst plus Closed Crankcase Ventilation system (DOC plus CCV) to reduce toxic emissions; the EPA will fully fund the cost of these devices up to $3,000.
The EPA says that since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 650 clean diesel projects across the country, reducing emissions in more than 60,000 engines.
A list of the latest rebate recipients is available here.
