Floresville, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $140,000 in federal funds for Floresville Independent School District. This funding, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), will be used by Floresville ISD to replace seven older diesel school buses.

“Although schools are currently implementing online classes and digital learning, we will eventually combat the coronavirus and school districts will begin reopening their campuses,” said Congressman Cuellar. “When that happens, school buses will once again become a common site among our neighborhoods. This funding will ensure that school districts are able to upgrade to newer, cleaner, and more cost-efficient means of transportation. As a senior Appropriator, I am committed to ensure funding is available to protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our communities. I’d like to thank Superintendent of Floresville ISD, Dr. Sherri Bays, as well as the district’s faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication in educating our youth and transporting students to and from school.”

The EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner. However, many older diesel school buses are still in operation. These older engines emit a number of pollutants, which are linked to cases of aggravated asthma, lung damage and other serious health issues.

Applicants replacing buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $15,000 and $20,000 per bus, depending on the size of the bus.

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,000 clean diesel projects across the country, reducing emissions in more than 70,000 engines.