Feb. 6, 2004
The Southland’s air quality agency adopted two new air quality initiatives
today, committing $12 million to replace and retrofit diesel buses, and $1.5
million for research into possible links between air pollution and cancer.
William Burke, chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s
Governing Board, proposed the programs last month at the start of an
unprecedented fourth term as chairman of the AQMD.
“Nothing is more valuable than our health – especially our children’s
health,” Burke said. “These initiatives will directly benefit public health by
reducing smog-forming and toxic emissions, and furthering our understanding of
the linkage between air pollution and cancer.”
The school bus initiative will provide funding to help purchase clean-burning
natural gas-powered buses as well as particulate traps for installation on
diesel-powered buses. Specifically, the initiative will provide:
- A total of $7.2 million, and up to $60,000 per CNG bus purchased,
resulting in the replacement of at about 120 diesel buses. Public schools and
private companies will be eligible for the funding, with public schools
receiving first priority. Public schools can receive an additional $12,000
per bus for natural gas fueling infrastructure. Buses eligible for
replacement must be 1986 and older models, with 1976 and older models given
priority. Replaced diesel buses must be completely destroyed by crushing; and
- A total of $4.8 million -- $6,500 per diesel bus -- for installation of
retrofit particulate traps capable of reducing particulate matter by more than
85 percent. The traps are effective only on 1994 and newer model buses. Both
public and private fleets are eligible, and most 1994 and newer public school
buses already have been retrofitted with the traps. The funding, which also
includes $500 per fleet for the initial incremental cost of low-sulfur diesel
fuel, is expected to place more than 650 particulate traps on buses.
Since 1999, AQMD has approved more than $43 million in state and local
funding to replace 287 older school buses with 201 compressed natural
gas-powered models and 86 lower-emitting diesel buses. In addition, the funds
have provided particulate traps for 1,295 diesel buses. State funding to assist
in the purchase of clean-fueled buses is due to end this year.
Funding for the $12 million school bus initiative will come from AQMD’s Rule
1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund, which is used to provide emission credits for
certain sources.
The second initiative announced today would expand the activities of the
Brain Tumor & Air Pollution Foundation, which was proposed by Burke and approved
by the Board last year. The foundation, chaired by AQMD Board Member and Los
Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, has contracted with noted brain
surgeon Dr. Keith Black of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to look into air
pollution as one possible cause of brain tumors. Today’s initiative would
expand its efforts to address air pollution and lung cancer. Funding of $1.5
million will come from the RECLAIM Air Quality Investment Program.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions
of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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