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The National Clean Bus Leadership Recognition Program

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2005 NATIONAL CLEAN BUS LEADERS

Washington , D.C. , The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recognizes six state and local initiatives for their leadership in deploying cleaner bus fleets.  Public transit agencies, school districts, corporate entities and a national park are demonstrating the importance of cleaner public transportation to reduce congestion, improve air quality and protect public health.

Yosemite National Park (CA) is recognized for its investment in hybrid bus technology for a national park.  The introduction of 18 diesel-electric hybrid buses, coupled with an extensive public education effort to increase awareness about this advanced technology, demonstrates Yosemite National Park ’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility while serving as a model for cleaner transportation options in national parks.

Medford Township Public School District ( Medford , NJ ) is recognized for pioneering fleet-wide use of biodiesel for the past eight years.  The district operates 62 school buses on a B20 blend (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent petroleum diesel), transporting 3,500 students daily.  Through its use of biodiesel, the school district has displaced more than 70,000 gallons of petroleum diesel and significantly reduced toxic emissions, resulting in increased public health and energy security benefits, as well as improvements to air quality in the community.  In addition, the district has adopted a host of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures which have strengthened its energy portfolio and contributed to increased sustainability.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) ( San Jose , CA ) is recognized for its leadership in investing in and developing advanced technologies.  VTA’s $18.4 million Zero-Emission Bus Demonstration Program has put into full-time service three 40-foot low-floor hydrogen fuel cell transit buses in 2005.  The demonstration program is viewed as an important step in the integration of fuel cell technology into the US transportation industry.  In addition, VTA has been a leader in demonstrating advanced nitrogen oxide emissions reduction technologies, like exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction, as an effort to clean up its existing fleet.

Cook-Illinois Corporation ( Chicago , IL ) is recognized for demonstrating corporate environmental stewardship through the use of cleaner, renewable biodiesel in 800 of its 1400 buses.  The decision to use biodiesel in its fleet in the absence of government grant funding or mandates, is commendable and serves as an example for other private school bus contractors to follow.  The corporation is a national clean bus leader for its large-scale commitment to cleaning up its fleet and helping to protect the health of school children in Illinois . 

Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) ( Fresno , CA ) is recognized for its long-standing commitment to alternative fuels, serving as an example for other transit agencies to follow suit.  As early adopters of natural gas and electric vehicle technology, they have proven the sustainability and viability of a cleaner fuel choice while addressing emissions and environmental justice concerns.   FCRTA has proven that a small transit agency, despite limited resources, can successfully implement a long-term sustainable alternative fuel program. 

Colorado Springs School Districts 11 and 20 ( Colorado Springs , CO ) are recognized for their co-operative efforts to clean up their school bus fleets. The school districts are using a combination of diesel oxidation catalysts, particulate matter filters and biodiesel to reduce harmful diesel emissions from their fleets, while improving efficiency through idle reduction measures. The two districts have forged a partnership which has allowed them to leverage resources, overcome funding limitations and provide a unique model for school districts seeking to minimize exposure from diesel-fueled buses.

About the National Clean Bus Leadership Recognition Program

The National Clean Bus Leadership Recognition Program, initiated in 2003, is part of EESI’s National Clean Bus Project. With more than 450,000 school buses and 60,000 transit buses in operation, most of which are powered by conventional dirty diesel, EESI views efforts to use cleaner technologies and fuels in buses as especially important for air quality and public health improvements. The project  encourages the deployment of cleaner fuels and advanced vehicle technologies by strengthening support for local, regional, state, and national ‘clean bus’ initiatives that address the environmental and health impacts of conventional diesel buses, and working towards cleaner transportation practices. The National Clean Bus Leadership Recognition Program has recognized local, regional and state leaders in small as well as large systems from all across the country as they strive to improve air quality and reduce oil consumption in their communities.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), conventional diesel engines power nearly 86 percent of the more than 76,000 active transit buses and 450,000 school buses nationwide; yet diesel engine emissions of particulate matter present an airborne cancer risk.  Diesel engine emissions of nitrogen oxides lead to the formation of ozone, which exacerbates asthma, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the disabled.

Cleaner-burning fuels and advanced vehicle technologies can reduce the harmful effects of diesel emissions produced by a significant majority of the nation’s buses.  Federal legislation passed in 1998 established the Clean Fuels “Clean Bus” Grant program, but this program was never funded.  The program has been reauthorized in the recently enacted transportation bill.  Budget constraints at the state and local level make federal support for the deployment of cleaner buses especially important.