School districts are replacing 300 buses across Michigan
ALPENA, Mich. — Michigan school districts are about to replace 300 older diesel buses with newer models powered by clean diesel and propane engines. This was made possible by grants awarded by the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Also known as E.G.L.E., their fuel transportation program has awarded more than $8.7 million in grants for Michigan schools.
Iosco Regional Education Service Agency received over $759,000, the third most amount of money given to a school district. This will provide 11 clean diesel and 13 propane buses for schools including: Alcona, Oscoda, West Branch, Alpena, and Hillman among others. Nick Assendelft works in public information for E.G.L.E., and he said that these new buses will lessen harmful effects on the environment, as well as children’s health.
“These are going to be a cleaner running vehicle, same with propane. It’s going to be a cleaner running vehicle,” he said. “It’s also going to be healthier for everybody who is on the school bus routes. Homes along the routes, homes in the neighborhood, or even the communities that the buses are going through.”
These new vehicles will provide a cleaner ride by reducing the emissions produced. “The new diesel engines are looking to reduce some of the emissions that you get from burning diesel fuel, such as oxide and nitrogen, but also green house gasses and particulate matter,” said Assendelft.
In total, these new buses will operate in 36 counties.
