Congressman Visclosky announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the School City of East Chicago to receive an award for new school buses.
Specifically, the School City of East Chicago will receive $100,000 through the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program to assist the replacement of five school buses.
In general, this program awards rebates up to $20,000 for school corporations to replace buses with engine models from years from 2006 or older. According to the EPA, older diesel school bus engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, lung damage, and other serious health problems.
Congressman Pete Visclosky stated, “I congratulate the School City of East Chicago for successfully identifying this opportunity for federal assistance. Thanks to your commitment to the East Chicago community and your initiative, the health of our students, and the quality of our place and our environment, will be improved.”
For additional information on the EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program, click here.