Project to cut bus emissions back on track

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A program to replace or retrofit old school buses has resumed after being halted in December due to California’s budget crisis.

The state Air Resources Board (ARB) announced Tuesday that it will receive about $71 million for the Lower-Emission School Bus Program.

Also back on track, with an infusion of $90 million, is the Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program, which targets trucks and ports.

“We are glad to see these critical clean-air programs restarting," ARB Chairman Mary Nichols said. "Californians will have healthier air to breathe in the four trade corridors, and our children will be exposed to fewer toxic emissions from older, dirty school buses.”

The funding, which comes from the state treasurer’s sale of bonds on Earth Day, is part of the 2006 voter-approved Proposition 1B. It will be used to replace pre-1977 school buses in the state with new, cleaner, safer models and to replace or retrofit old school buses in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley.