School Buses – A Safe Way To Travel

School Buses – A Sustainable Way To Travel

What Is The Concern?

• Energy – fuel economy

• Emissions – air quality

• Climate change – global warming

• Operational considerations – Cost, performance, maintenance

U.S. Energy Flow - 2002

Quadrillion BTUs

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Well to Wheel Energy Use

BTU per mile

Better

Conventional

from: Fuel Options for Reducing GHG Emissions from Motor Vehicles, US DOT, September 2003

Hydrogen

Nat Gas

Hydro

gen

Solar

Fuel CellHybrid

GasolineE90

DieselB20

CNGLPG

Diesel Engines and Air Quality

• Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles

• Engines have historically contributed significant amounts of NOx, particulate matter to air pollution

Exposures Inside School Buses

• Personal exposure monitors for PM 2.5

• Levels 5 – 10 times higher than ambient averages

• California study estimates cancer risk increases by 4%, asthma risk by 1%

Economics of Clean Diesel

Environmental/Public Health Impact in Oregon – $2 billion per year or

– $2+ per gallon of diesel used

From Hansen and Saito, 2001

Global Warming Factors

Clean vs. Dirty Diesel

CONVENTIONAL RETROFITTED

Real time measurements of particulate matter pollution inside a car “chasing” a diesel truck before and after retrofitting.

Courtesy of Clean Air Task Force

Burn Cleaner Fuel - Biodiesel

• Vegetable oils and/or waste grease refined to diesel fuel

• Biodegradable, nontoxic, renewable fuel• Reduces PM, CO, VOCs; Increases NOx • Can be blended (20%) or used neat• Excellent lubricity• Cost, high cloud point

The Modern Hybrid

• Does not idle when stopped

• Uses a battery pack to store energy

• Uses an electric motor to accelerate

• Recharges batteries when braking or coasting

• Allows for smaller combustion engine

• Increased fuel economy and lower engine wear

What is a Plug-In Hybrid?

• Can receive portion of battery energy from grid

• Plugging in is optional

• Once range is depleted, operates as a normal hybrid

• Categorized by range on electricity– HEV30 is 30 miles on electric range

CO2 Emissions from Series Hybrid

NOx Emissions for Series Hybrid

Fuel Costs of Series Hybrid

Program Costs for Hybrid

• Initial cost greater than standard diesel• Operating cost less than standard diesel• Lifecycle cost about same as standard

diesel• Infrastructure

– Same diesel pumps– Same maintenance garage– Electric plug-in chargers

Clean School Bus USA

• School Districts and ESDs only allowed to apply

• Anticipated awards up to $725,000, averaging $200,000 - $300,000

• 5% cost share

• Fund retrofits, engine upgrades, cleaner fuels, bus and/or engine replacement

•“Buddy program”

• DEQ here to help with applications

Sustainable Practices With School Buses – Now!

• Use ultra low sulfur fuel and biodiesel

• Minimize idling time at schools and events

• Maintain vehicles to reduce smoke and odors

• Use newer buses more often and for longer routes

• Install exhaust filters

It’s Not Cool To Idle At School

Suited for 5th to 8th grade students

Learn the scientific principles of observation and reporting, while engaging in social change.

Toolkits provided by Oregon Environmental Council

http://www.oeconline.org/kids health/teachertools

HB 2172 - Clean Diesel Initiative

Components in the bill– Clean Diesel Fund – Clean Diesel Tax Credit– Clean Engine Replacement Incentives– Clean Oregon School Bus Grants

Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative

• For more information:

Kevin Downing

DEQ – Air Quality

503.229.6549

downing.kevin@deq.state.or.us