The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced today it has received the first three applications from Texas school districts to earmark money for reimbursement of costs associated with reducing school bus emissions.

The applications, if approved, would mean the TCEQ would disburse $471,000 to reimburse costs for reducing particulate emissions from 389 buses. The TCEQ began accepting applications Nov. 10.

"There is obviously a great deal of need and excitement for a program such as this," said TCEQ Commissioner Larry R. Soward. "By cleaning up school buses we are not only being good environmental stewards, but we are protecting the health of Texas school children, and our future."

Statements of Intent were received from: Clear Creek ISD to reserve $249,300 to pay for 15 diesel particulate filers and 171 closed crankcase filtration systems; Alief ISD to reserve $150,000 to pay for 114 closed crankcase filtration systems; and Pasadena ISD to reserve $71,200 to pay for 89 closed crankcase filtration systems.

The Texas Clean School Bus program provides reimbursement for Texas school districts to install pollution control devices on diesel school buses. These devices reduce particulate matter emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems, asthma and allergies in children who ride the buses.

All public school districts and charter schools in Texas that operate one or more diesel-powered school buses, or a transportation system provided by a countywide district, are eligible to be reimbursed for costs of approved retrofits. Go to www.texascleanschoolbus.org or call 512-239-3100 for application information.