News Release

707 North Robinson, P.O. Box 1677, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101-1677

                                                                                                                                                                      
For Immediate Release:  June 4, 2009
Contact:  Skylar McElhaney, (405) 702-7167

Funding Available for Projects to Reduce
Diesel Engine Exhaust

Funding for projects aimed at reducing diesel engine exhaust from public school buses is available through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  DEQ has been allocated $1.73 million in additional funding for the Oklahoma Clean Diesel School Bus Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Applications will be accepted until all funds are awarded.  However, all monies must be spent by September 2010. 

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.  Schools that have met selection criteria will be awarded funds on a first come, first serve basis.  Funding will be in the form of reimbursements for school bus replacements, school bus engine repowers, and certified retrofit technologies.  Matching funds are required for vehicle replacements and repowers.   

Diesel exhaust contributes to regional air pollution and can have adverse health effects.  Fine particles emitted from diesel exhaust can, when inhaled, accumulate in the lungs and enter the bloodstream.  Over time, the accumulation can inhibit oxygen transfer to the blood. 

“Pollution from older diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, especially children,” said DEQ Executive Director Steve Thompson.  “Installing emission reduction technology helps make sure school buses provide a healthy environment for children on their way to and from school.”

Vehicles made in 2007 or later have reduced emissions by up to 90 percent per federal standards.  However, older diesel engines will continue to give off dangerous exhaust unless altered.

Eligible entities are smaller public school districts in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas with district-owned school buses.  Complete guidelines are available at www.deq.state.ok.us or for more information, contact Leon Ashford at DEQ at (405) 702-4100.

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