AUSTIN, Texas — On Nov. 10, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) began accepting applications from school districts within the state to reimburse them for costs associated with reducing emissions from school buses.

Retrofitting older buses with pollution-control devices (such as closed crankcase filtration systems, particulate matter filters or diesel oxidation catalysts) can reduce emissions by up to 90 percent but can cost between $800 and $7,500 each.

"One of my goals is to continue finding ways that will make our air cleaner while protecting our schoolchildren," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia. "The [Texas] Legislature has appropriated over $7 million for clean school bus projects, which helps us begin to achieve that goal."

All public school districts and charter schools in Texas that operate one or more diesel-powered school buses, or a transportation system provided by a countywide district, are eligible to be reimbursed for costs of approved retrofits.

For application information, go to www.texascleanschoolbus.org or call (512) 239-3100.