The TCEQ begins accepting applications on Nov. 10 from Texas school districts to reimburse costs associated with reducing emissions from school buses. More than 36,000 buses carrying an estimated 1.3 million students hit the roads of Texas each school day. A little more than one-third of these buses are more than 10 years old. Older vehicles emit more pollution than do newer models. Exposure to diesel exhaust from school buses can aggravate respiratory problems, asthma and allergies.

The Texas Clean School Bus program recommends a number of ways to improve air quality for our bus-riding students, including retrofitting. "In some cases, an $800 retrofit can reduce emissions by 70-80 percent," said TCEQ Commissioner Larry R. Soward. "It's quick, easy to do, and some school districts have already installed pollution-control devices as part of their general maintenance schedule."

Newer technology has given school districts several options for cleaner-running school buses including a closed crankcase filtration system, a diesel particulate filter, a diesel oxidation catalystan advanced catalytic converter for diesel vehicles — and a partial flow-through filter. Costs range from $800 to $7,500 per device. Emissions are reduced by as much as 90 percent when these engine or exhaust retrofits are made.

"One of my goals is to continue finding ways that will make our air cleaner while protecting our school children," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia. "The Legislature has appropriated over $7 million for clean school bus projects, which helps us, begin to achieve that goal."

All public school districts and charter schools in Texas that operate one or more diesel-powered school buses, or a transportation system provided by a countywide district, are eligible to be reimbursed for costs of approved retrofits. Go to www.texascleanschoolbus.org or call 512-239-3100 for application information.