Cleaner Air Or Better Classrooms?

Officials are considering a rule to take polluting school buses off the street, but opponents say it will only take more money from schools.

1 minute read

February 24, 2001, 8:00 AM PST

By California 2000


In an effort to meet air emission reduction goals, the South Coast Air Quality Management District will soon be deciding whether to adopt a rule requiring schools to buy new, natural gas-fueled buses. Although the new buses would substantially reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which lead to respiratory problems in children, school officials are concerned that the natural gas engines could divert funds needed for the classrooms. Officials are suggesting the use of new cleaner diesel buses, which cost about 25 percent less than natural gas engines but do not have the same capacity to reduce emissions. The AQMD is holding firm to the natural gas engines, citing various sources of state and private funding for the potential program.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Friday, February 23, 2001 in Press-Enterprise

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