In an effort to “go green,” LMSD’s bus fleet will become more environmentally friendly, upon the announcement that the District will receive $315,000 to purchase new alternatively fueled buses. The money will come from the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant, which will provide a total of $8 million to similar projects in Pennsylvania. LMSD will receive more money from the grant than any other district.
LMSD has a history of being environmentally conscious, especially with regards to its bus system.
“Through the years we have been aggressive in pursuing grants to help with the construction of fueling infrastructure and the purchase of buses,” said Supervisor of Transportation Mike Andre.
LMSD began using alternatively fueled buses in 1995, and became the first school district in Pennsylvania to use buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The District currently runs the largest CNG-fueled bus fleet on the east coast and was described by the US Department of Energy as “Pennsylvania’s primary success story for alternative fuels.”
The money from the grant will be used to replace nine of the first generation CNG buses that have been in use for 14 years with newer models. The new buses will go into use in August. Currently, LMSD operates 61 buses and five maintenance vans that run on CNG, and has two CNG fueling stations. The District estimates that this saved one million gallons of diesel fuel to date. This number will increase, as the new buses are projected to save the District more than 22,000 gallons of conventional liquid fuels each year.
Even though CNG does emit some greenhouse gases, it is much cleaner than traditional fuels such as gasoline or diesel.
“Natural gas is an inherently cleaner fuel than diesel or gasoline,” said Andre.
“The [grant] projects promote cleaner transportation through the production and use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel, natural gas and electricity, and create infrastructure that will allow more Pennsylvanians to make fuel saving vehicles a part of their daily lives,” said Governor Edward Rendell, who announced the $8 million investment on April 7.
Although this seems like a positive step for the District, some think that the District could do even more to protect the environment.
“This will definitely save money and [reduce the] environmental footprint on the part of the District,” said sophomore Josh Hoffman. “I should point out that there are a few ways that the District buses could be emitting less without having to spend any money to get the buses.” Hoffman suggested that instead of idling in the bus circle in the afternoon, buses should be turned off until departure.
For buses that currently use diesel fuel, the District plans to start using biodiesel, a combination of conventional diesel and vegetable oil.
“As part of the LMHS construction project our diesel underground storage tank is being replaced this summer. When it reopens in late August we expect to begin using biodiesel,” explained Andre. “The funds will help us to continue to do what’s right for our environment and community.”
At any rate, the grant will help protect and conserve the environment.
By Maya Afilalo
Class of 2012
