Some Pennsbury Buses Will Convert To Propane With Grant

A state grant announced by lawmakers on Wednesday will help Pennsbury schools convert eight diesel-powered school buses to run on propane.

The $68,000 grant for the school district was announced by state Reps. John Galloway and Perry Warren and state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, who represent areas that Pennsbury serves.

"This grant for Pennsbury School District will improve air quality in our community and save taxpayers money in the long haul," said Warren. “"tudies have shown that propane-powered buses are cheaper to operate, maintain and repair than diesel buses. Part of the savings will come from lower fuel costs, and the maintenance of the vehicles should also save the district money."

"This grant money will help Pennsbury School District convert its buses to use propane, a 'green' alternative fuel," said Galloway. "This is great news for our community and our environment."

The grant was part of $681,000 awarded to six clean energy vehicle projects in southeast Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection funded the grants through its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants program. Waste Management Inc. also received $300,000 for eight heavy-duty compressed natural gas vehicles for use at numerous company sites, including Bucks County.

"Promoting alternative fuels not only improves our air quality and public health, it encourages economic growth and technological development," said Santarsiero. "The grants awarded to Waste Management and Pennsbury School District provide a financial stimulus that ultimately moves Bucks County towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future."

The AFIG program supports replacement of older shuttles, school buses, waste-hauling trucks and other vehicles with cleaner natural gas and electric vehicles. It also supports installation of fueling stations for such vehicles.