The DES Air Resources Division is seeking project partners for the NH Clean School Bus program to reduce diesel emissions from school buses in the Granite State. This program is being funded through a $190,000 grant that DES expects to receive in early 2010 from EPA’s State Clean Diesel Program designated for school bus projects. Eligible project partners include municipal school bus operators, as well as private operators under contract with school districts.
The goal of the program is to reduce children’s exposure to harmful diesel exhaust by providing up to 100 percent of the cost to purchase and install diesel emission reduction technologies to:
Eliminate the need to idle – This can be accomplished through the installation of EPA-verified idle reduction equipment, such as fuel-fired auxiliary heaters, in conjunction with the adoption of voluntary no-idling policies and practices. For more information see http://www.epa.gov/otaq/schoolbus/antiidling.htm.
Capture some of the harmful components in diesel exhaust (particulate matter) – This can be accomplished through the installation of diesel oxidation catalyst mufflers and/or under-hood crankcase ventilation system filters. These exhaust treatments are called retrofits because they involve installing equipment on older buses that is now standard on newer buses. For more information see http://www.epa.gov/otaq/schoolbus/retrofit.htm.
Any public or private school bus operators interested in participating in the New Hampshire Clean School Bus Program to install emission reduction equipment should fill out a School Bus Retrofit Fleet Data Form 
(as completely as possible) and return it by email to jessica.morton@des.nh.gov. The information will be used by DES to help identify potential program participants. Following review of the preliminary information, DES will develop a more formal application process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Felice Janelle, DERA Program Manager
NHDES Air Resources, Technical Services Bureau
29 Hazen Drive; PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-4848
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