EPA Iissues Rebates to Retrofit School Buses in 3 Districts

SHELLEY, Idaho (AP) — Some school buses in Idaho, Oregon and Washington will run cleaner thanks to a $20,000 award from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Idaho State Journal reports that school buses in three districts will be retrofitted with cleaner diesel engines. The EPA announced Friday that $115,000 in rebates would retrofit older diesel school buses at the Shelley School District in Idaho, the North Wasco County School District in Oregon and the Moses Lake School District in Washington.

The retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter linked to asthma, lung damage and other serious health problems. EPA associate director Jan Hastings says the program will help thousands of children breathe easier.