EGLE Fuel Transformation Program Grants Fund Diesel School Bus Replacements

Michigan school districts will replace 300 older diesel buses with models powered by clean diesel and propane engines under grants awarded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). More than $8.7 million in grants will be awarded under EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program. Districts will have the new buses on the road within the next two years.

“Replacing older, diesel engines with clean diesel or propane delivers savings for school districts and will also improve public health at bus stops, on school grounds, and in communities,” said Jack Schinderle, director of EGLE’s Materials Management Division. “Students who have cleaner air to breathe will do better in school and have fewer health concerns.”

The school districts submitted proposals either individually or as part of a group. The new buses will operate in 36 counties, including all 10 counties that are in non-attainment for the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. The new buses will reduce oxides of nitrogen, greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and other harmful emissions.

Of the 25 grantees, eight school districts or consortiums selected propane. They include Wayne Regional Education Services Agency, 48 buses; Brown City Community Schools, 20 buses; Iosco Regional Education Service Agency, 13 buses; Durand Area Schools, four buses; Lenawee Intermediate School District, four buses; Riverview Community Schools, two buses; Gwinn Area Community Schools, one bus; and Thornapple Kellogg School District, one bus.

Fuel Transformation Program grants are supported with dollars allocated to Michigan from the Volkswagen settlement.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, April 2, 2020. Subscribe to receive all the latest posted and spot prices from all major terminals and refineries around the U.S., featuring a center spread of posted prices that includes hundreds of postings completely updated each week, market analysis, insightful commentary and more.