Environmental Progress - Fall 2003

Governor launches Statewide Clean School Bus Program

Goal is healthier air for state's children, communities

A multi-faceted program aimed at replacing diesel-powered school buses with cleaner models was launched in November, coinciding with the observance of Children's Health Month.

On behalf of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano announced the start of the Illinois Clean School Bus Program at the Glenwood Intermediate School in Chatham.

Some buses will be retrofitted with advanced emission control technologies to use cleaner fuels. The program will result in a healthier environment for Illinois' school children, improved air quality in and around school buildings, and in local communities.

"This program implements several priorities of my administration. It will help create a healthier learning environment and cleaner air and provide an economic boost to the Illinois companies that are developing clean-diesel technology and fuels that use soybeans grown and processed in Illinois," said Governor Blagojevich.

Also participating is the Prairieland Elementary School in Normal.

Ball-Chatham School District plans to retrofit more than 25 school fleet buses with oxidation catalysts, and will implement use of a 20 percent biodiesel fuel, a mixture of diesel fuel with soybean oil, for the entire bus fleet.

The McLean County School District has been using 20 percent biodiesel fuel exclusively since July. The district has begun retrofitting school buses with oxidation catalysts, with four of the district's buses already retrofitted, and an additional 36 buses to be retrofitted in the near future. The district will eventually retrofit a total of 93 of the 97 buses in its fleet.

Clean School Bus Program

The Illinois Clean School Bus Program, being implemented by the IEPA, will allow school districts throughout the state to incorporate one or more options to reduce emissions from their school bus fleets.

Options include installing after-market retrofits such as oxidation catalysts or particulate filters; replacing existing diesel fuel with cleaner burning fuels such as ultra-low sulfur diesel or 20 percent biodiesel; and utilizing clean diesel technology, including engines that can meet the more stringent emission standards set for 2007 for natural gas and propane powered engines.

Needless Idling Targeted

The IEPA will work with school districts and commercial school bus operators to eliminate unnecessary idling of school buses.

Funding for the program has been initially provided by a supplemental environmental project, under terms of an Illinois EPA enforcement case. This initial funding is restricted to 24 counties in the state.

Sponsors asked to "Adopt a Bus"

As part of the kick-off, Illinois EPA announced a new corporate sponsorship program called "Adopt a Bus." This will allow businesses and organizations to provide financial assistance and in-kind services to benefit schools/school districts throughout the state. Further funding is being secured through federal grants and other resources to implement the program on a statewide basis.

Additional information on the Illinois Clean School Bus Program is available through the Illinois EPA by calling 217-524-4947.