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Adopt-A-School Bus Program Brings Cleaner Air to Dallas/Fort Worth Children

Release Date: 10/7/2002
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      A new voluntary program allows local sponsors to bring cleaner air to the Metroplex faster than expected.  The Adopt-A-School Bus program will help school districts purchase new or retrofit older school buses, removing more than 200 tons of air pollution each year.  

      The Adopt-A-School Bus program is a public-private partnership focused on bringing forward corporate leaders to sponsor purchasing clean buses.  In Dallas/Fort Worth, it is administered by an independent steering committee with help from the American Lung Association of Texas.

      EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said, "Innovative and voluntary programs are key components in the relationship between healthier communities and everyday business. Dallas area businesses are demonstrating a commitment by incorporating children's health in their day-to-day business activities. I look forward to recognizing the corporate champions who rise to meet this challenge."

      Texas Governor Rick Perry said, "The Adopt-A-School Bus program is more evidence that Texas is committed to improving air quality.  The EPA and Administrator Whitman are to be commended for bringing together public and private partners in this unique effort which can serve as a model for other communities."

      Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison said, "This unique program will help achieve cleaner air and improve children's health without expensive and burdensome new regulations. The Adopt-A-School Bus program provides local businesses and industry an opportunity to help create a healthier environment."

      Dallas County Judge Margaret Keliher said, "We should take every opportunity to promote clean air in Dallas/Fort Worth. This program gives us an excellent chance to put corporate dollars to work for children."

      Collin County Judge Ron Harris said, "This is a great opportunity for area businesses to give back to their community, show leadership and help their employees' families at the same time."

      Dr. Larry Groppel, Deputy Superintendent for Business Services of the Dallas Independent School District, said, "Non-polluting buses will benefit the lung health of all Metroplex citizens, particularly the 88,000 children in our area who deal with asthma.  Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism -- another chronic problem that new, non-polluting buses can help attack."

      The program's goal is to replace 500 pre-1993 model diesel school buses in the Dallas/Fort Worth area over the next three years. Based on the positive initial response, EPA is making plans to expand the program to other Texas communities including the Houston/Galveston area. More information on the program is available on the Internet at http://www.adopt-a-schoolbus.org.