Orange School Buses Turn Into A 'Green Fleet' | Environment

Anyone who's ridden on a school bus can recall the belching black smoke out the back of the diesel-fueled vehicles--just as much a part of riding to school as the slippery bench seats.  But next year at Robbinsdale Area Schools, kids may be breathing a little easier thanks to "Project Green Fleet."

Over the summer, 59 district school buses will be retrofitted with EPA-verified diesel oxidation catalysts or closed crankcase emissions control systems.  The project is a state program to reduce diesel emissions on Minnesota roads, improving air quality and protecting public health.  State officials say diesel engines make up just 10-percent of traffic on Minnesota roads, but create more than 50-percent of vehicle air pollution.

School officials also point out this will help the 10-12% of students who suffer with asthma. Health Services Program Director Ann Garland says, "Removing triggers is an important step to preventing asthma episodes."

The project is being funded by a grant from the Minnesota Environmental Initiative. The Robbinsdale Area School District includes schools in the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.

For more information about the retrofitting project, contact Transportation Program Director Kristin Johnson at (763) 504-8107.