Based on the above proposed amendments, the approximate number of low-emitting diesel and CNG buses to be distributed to the public school districts of each county will be according to Table 1. The population number is for year 2000, obtained from the California Statistical Abstract, published by the Department of Finance. The number of buses allocated to each county are approximate due to price differences for CNG buses and amount of funding requested for infrastructure. Staff recommends the approval of the proposed selection methodology and the proposed amendments to the program announcement and application of the Lower-Emission School Bus Program. Benefits to AQMD School buses operate in close proximity to students, teachers and neighbors.
Many schools provide bus services in heavily populated areas.
The successful implementation of the Lower-Emission School Bus Replacement Program will provide less polluting and safer school transportation for school children, and will reduce public exposure to toxic diesel particulate matter emissions. The selection methodology for the school bus replacement awards will maximize the potential emission benefits in low income, high diesel and high PM10 exposure areas, and will enhance the objectives of the Environmental Justice, and Children's Health initiatives adopted by the Governing Board. No funding approval is requested for this item. PM10 concentration 20 max. Under the exposure category, a maximum of 20 points will be given to schools exposed to the highest ambient air PM10 concentration, and cancer risk from diesel at their garage locations.