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EPA, Philadelphia International Airport and US Airways Unveil New Low Emission Shuttle Buses for Passengers

Release Date: 08/18/2010
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543, [email protected] & Vicki Lupica, 215-937-5424, [email protected]

PHILADELPHIA (August 18, 2010) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $475,669 grant to the Philadelphia International Airport to help put eight highly efficient, low emission, low-floor passenger buses into service at airport. By replacing older diesel powered shuttle buses this project will reduce air pollution and improve air quality. EPA’s grant was awarded under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. In addition to EPA’s grant, US Airways will spend more than $3.5 million to replace the older shuttle buses.

Officials from EPA, Philadelphia International Airport and US Airways took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to unveil one of the new low emissions buses on display for everyone to tour.

“Replacing the buses with high efficiency diesel powered ones will bring about cleaner, healthier air for visitors to the Philadelphia International Airport,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “By partnering with the Philadelphia Airport and US Airways we are able to make some progress in reducing diesel emissions - - a challenge that faces most cities in our mid-Atlantic region.”

"The Airport is continuously working to achieve sustainability by exploring new and innovative technologies that reduce energy and emissions," said Mark Gale, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport. "These new shuttle buses are in step with our environmental initiatives, and we are appreciative of the EPA's support of our sustainability goals. We would also like to thank US Airways for purchasing these new, efficient buses.”

Reducing diesel emissions is a priority for EPA because it helps to reduce ground level ozone and particle pollution. These new shuttle buses will eliminate more than 1.18 tons of nitrous oxide, 1,540 tons of carbon dioxide, and .02 tons of particulate matter from the local air.

Clean diesel projects help address health issues including asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments.

This project, using more efficient shuttle buses, is only one of the ways illustrating the Philadelphia International Airport’s commitment to improving the environment.

The Philadelphia International Airport is visited by over 31 million people annually. The airport generates an estimated $14.2 billion in spending to the regional economy and provides 42,000 jobs. For more information on Philadelphia International Airport see: http://www.phl.org.

Visit EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign at https://www.epa.gov/diesel/.

EPA’s regional diesel website at https://www.epa.gov/reg3artd/diesel/index.htm.

Jpegs of the event will be made available.