Utah School District Transitions to Natural Gas Bus Fleet

Utah is helping lead national efforts to transition school bus fleets to alternative fuel sources. As of 2021, the state had 2,987 buses serving 195,000 students, with most of the vehicles relying on diesel. However, by utilizing grant opportunities, many school districts are converting to alternative fuel use in bus fleets. Jordan School District is one example of a Utah district transitioning to compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses through funding support, motivated by health benefits.

Jordan School District funded 48 of its 128 CNG buses with federal and state grants. Outside funding was critical for transitioning the school bus fleet due to the higher initial cost of CNG buses. The Utah Clean Cities Coalition helped support Jordan School District through the funding process by identifying relevant funding opportunities. The district ended up receiving a diverse portfolio of grants, with sources including the U.S. Department of Energy, Utah State Board of Education, and Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

By receiving significant funding, Jordan School District was able to address key concerns that drove the transition to CNG school buses. Pollution from ozone and particulate matter has led to unhealthy air quality levels in Utah. This is directly linked to community health, as the pollutants can result in respiratory and cardiovascular issues—especially in children and other at-risk groups. CNG buses helped the district prevent these health concerns by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 88% through transitioning from diesel buses. 

Just like Jordan School District, school districts across the country have transitioned to alternative fuel buses due to the health and environmental benefits. Resources such as the CWCC webpage on funding opportunities and the Argonne National Laboratory’s Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation Tool can help support Oregon school districts adding alternative fuel buses to their fleets. 

Source: Alternative Fuels Data Center