Missouri lead producer to provide $300,000 for bus retrofits
As part of an agreement with the EPA, the Doe Run Co. will offer a total of $500,000 to help Missouri districts retrofit diesel school buses and improve environmental practices in school science labs. Districts in Jefferson County, Mo., get first crack at the grants.
ST. LOUIS — Lead producer the Doe Run Co. will offer a total of $500,000 to help Missouri school districts retrofit their bus fleets and improve environmental practices in school science labs.
The move marks the first of several community-based environmental projects slated over the next two years as part of Doe Run’s 2010 agreement with the EPA.
School districts in Jefferson County, Mo., can apply for the grants between now and July 2013. Doe Run will make grants available on a first-come, first-served basis. Any remaining funds will be made available to school districts in Dent, Iron, Washington, Scott and Reynolds counties beginning Aug. 1, 2013.
“It is important to Doe Run that we provide enduring benefits to our communities, and these two projects are excellent examples of that commitment at work,” said Gary Hughes, general manager of Doe Run’s Primary Smelting Division. “This program will help establish a safer and healthier environment for Missouri students, and is one example of our commitment to operating sustainably — balancing social, economic and environmental responsibilities.”
A total of $300,000 in grants will be provided to retrofit diesel-powered school bus engines to reduce emissions. School districts will be required to share data reporting reductions and progress with Doe Run.
The company will also contribute $200,000 to help schools remove hazardous waste or old chemicals from their science labs, photo and art studios, and darkrooms, as well as to provide training to school personnel who oversee these learning environments.
“Providing a great learning environment for students is our No. 1 priority, and these efforts will help us protect that environment for years to come,” said Stan Stratton, superintendent of Dunklin R-V School District in Herculaneum, Mo. “Doe Run is an avid supporter of our district, and we look forward to the possibility of working together to improve our fleet.”
More Alternative Fuels
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: New Buses, Charging Hubs & Real-World EV Testing
Propane and electric school bus deployments continue to grow as districts add new vehicles, expand charging infrastructure, and gather more real-world operating data.
Read More →
Fewer Electric School Bus Models Reshape the U.S. Market
WRI’s latest buyer’s guide points to a consolidating electric school bus market, but fewer options may reflect a maturing industry rather than fewer meaningful choices for school bus operators.
Read More →
The Fuel Budget You Can Actually Predict: How Propane Autogas Keeps Money in the Classroom
Learn how propane autogas helps school districts manage fuel costs with predictable pricing, lower maintenance, and reduced emissions from former transportation director Joel Stutheit.
Read More →
Hendrickson, Driventic Introduce New Electric Powertrain for School Buses
ELECTRAAX, the electrified, lightweight drive axle offers integrated ePowertrain efficiency and modular flexibility for Class 6–7 school bus use.
Read More →
The Mobility House Joins PowerFlex in Fleet Electrification Deal
The acquisition combines intelligent charging software, bidirectional charging expertise, and fleet electrification services to support the growing adoption of electric school buses across North America.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: Electric School Bus Investments Hit the Road
See which districts across the U.S. are putting electric school buses into service, expanding charging infrastructure, and planning the next phase of fleet electrification.
Read More →
With Fuel Volatility Ahead, School Districts Turn to Propane
While diesel prices peaked above $5 this spring, districts with propane autogas-powered fleets paid under $2 per gallon, according to PERC.
Read More →
EPA Unveils Proposed Changes to 2027 Heavy-Duty Engine Rules
The federal agency has proposed changes to next year’s targets that would eliminate DEF derates, ease warranty requirements, and retain current NOx emissions standards.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: EV Charging & Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum
The latest developments include new funding, charging infrastructure, utility investments, and fleet technologies designed to support the transition to electric school buses nationwide.
Read More →