Additional Resources

Longview, Pine Tree Share Grant For New Anti-Pollution Devices

By Adam J. Holland

Launched in November, the Texas Clean School Bus program makes rebates available for the installation of pollution control devices on diesel school buses. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reports the devices reduce particulate matter emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems, asthma and allergies in passengers.

Emissions are especially a problem in buses older than 10 years — about one-third the local fleet, according to the Texas Education Agency. The agency said emissions-control updates can cost between $800 and $7,500 per bus.

"We are retrofitting 32 buses with diesel particulate filters and six with diesel oxidation catalysts," said John York, Longview ISD's transportation director. York said the TCEQ allocated $249,000 for district buses. "These retrofits will reduce diesel particulate emissions by up to 85 percent." Read the full story.