News Releases - 2003

Governor Recognizes McLean County School District As First Participant In His Illinois Clean School Bus Program, Providing Cleaner Environment For School Children

Springfield, Ill. -- In observation of Children's Health Month, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today recognized McLean County Unit District 5 for their participation in his Illinois Clean School Bus Program, and reducing emissions from their diesel-powered school bus fleet.

Today's recognition, announced by Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano, was held at the Prairieland Elementary School in Normal. The announcement noted that McLean County School District is the first Illinois school district to implement clean diesel options under the Governor's Illinois Clean School Bus Program. The overall impact of the program will reduce particulate emissions from the district's bus fleet by approximately 40 percent.

"The McLean School District has set an example by implementing the use of 20 percent biodiesel fuel made from Illinois soybeans and reducing potential harmful pollutants that could impact its students," said Governor Blagojevich.

"We are very pleased to see the commitment McLean County School District has shown through their participation in the Governor's Illinois Clean School Bus Program," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

"The steps taken by the district will not only benefit the environment, but it will further protect the nearly 11,000 school children currently enrolled in the district," Director Cipriano added.

The Governor's Illinois Clean School Bus Program, being implemented by the Illinois EPA, allows school districts throughout Illinois to incorporate one or more options to reduce emissions from their school bus fleets and further reduce school children's exposure to the potentially harmful emissions.

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

"On behalf of the Unit 5 community and the Board of Education, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Governor's office and the Illinois EPA in this important initiative," said Dr. Daniel Steska, Superindent, McLean County Unit District No. 5 Schools. "Many people in our farming community and in agribusiness are keenly aware of the cost effectiveness and environmental benefits of using biodiesel fuel. The McLean County Unit 5 School District is proud to be a leader in the state of Illinois in implementing this step toward the future of our children."

As the first school district in the State to implement clean diesel options under the Governor's Illinois Clean School Bus Program, McLean County School District has been using biodiesel fuel, a mixture of diesel fuel with soybean oil, exclusively since July. Additionally, the district has begun retrofitting school buses with oxidation catalysts. Currently, four of the district's buses have been retrofitted, and an additional 36 buses will be retrofitted in the near future. Through the Clean School Bus Program, the district will eventually retrofit a total of 93 of the 97 buses in its fleet.

"Our ultimate goal for the Governor's Illinois Clean School Bus Program is to provide a healthier environment for Illinois' school children," added Director Cipriano. "McLean County School District is doing that, and in turn, will improve air quality and the environment in the surrounding communities."

In addition to incorporating clean school bus options, the Illinois EPA will work with school district personnel and commercial school bus providers to provide resources on the potential health and environmental impacts and to eliminate unnecessary idling of school buses.

Funding for the Illinois Clean School Bus Program is provided through a number of sources including supplemental environmental projects, under terms of Illinois EPA enforcement cases, federal grants and other donations. Currently, the program is available to Illinois public schools/school districts and non-profit private schools in Illinois.

As part of today's event, Illinois EPA is also announcing the creation of a new corporate sponsorship program called the "Adopt a Bus" Program. This program will make it possible for businesses and organizations to provide financial contributions and in-kind services to benefit schools/school districts throughout the State.

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