Most of the nation's buses are fueled with diesel. Diesel exhaust, however, contributes to poor air quality and has been linked to asthma and other health conditions. A settlement with Toyota Motor Corporation is providing $20 million to school districts for filters and ultra-low sulfer fuel for their school bus fleets. Districts can get up to $750,000 to retrofit their school bus fleets. This program is entirely separate from EPA's Clean School Bus USA program.
School districts ONLY can apply. School districts in non-attainment areas for particulate or ozone will have first priority. So pass this on to your children's school principal, superintendent's office or education board member.
School districts must download an expression of interest form from the Cleaner Buses for Kids website and send it in by November 12th. A lottery will be held to select which districts will receive funding. Selected applicants will receive notification of selection by December 3, 2004. Applications for those selected will be due February 1, 2005.
For FAQs, forms and other information, please call 1-703-934-3040 or visit the web site: http://www.cleanbusesforkids.com/.
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