HOUSTON — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Railroad Commission of Texas awarded the Houston Independent School District (HISD) $2,120,500 to help buy 25 propane-fueled school buses.

The HISD board will vote on acceptance of the funds during its regular board meeting. The grants — $1.5 million from the TCEQ and $620,500 from the Railroad Commission — will help fund 70 percent of the cost to purchase the buses, with HISD covering the rest.

"These 25 buses have a dual benefit," HISD General Manager of Transportation Nathan Graf said. "They are considered 'green' in that they produce fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline and diesel engines, and they are a smart budget decision because they also lower fuel and operating costs."

According to the EPA, propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines.