With back to school time happening across the country, it was exciting to read the recent headline, “West Virginia University Study Finds Propane School Buses Dramatically Decrease Harmful Emissions.” More and more data is being compiled to support that propane buses lower emissions.
A study by university researchers concluded emissions measured from propane school buses are significantly lower than those from diesel buses. Finding ways to significantly reduce harmful emissions has been driving alt fuel engine technology manufacturers for over a decade.
The study concentrated on nitrogen oxides (NOx) — highly damaging emissions that are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment. According to the West Virginia University study commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council, NOx emissions are:
- 34 times higher in a diesel school bus than in a propane bus, over a stop-and-go route.
- 15 to 19 times higher in the diesel school bus over a hot- and cold-start city route.
Bottom line: Propane autogas school buses reduce NOx by at least 95 percent.
As PERC’s Tucker Perkins says, this study is “monumental from an emissions and health perspective for students, schools, and communities across the country.”
Because exposure to NOx exhaust can trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues, propane autogas school buses are better for human health and the environment, and a better choice for schools. That’s great news for the more than 1 million students in over 900 school districts across the nation who ride to school in propane school buses each day.
Did you know a recent study found diesel school buses can lower test scores? Check out the study here!