Tuesday, June 27, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) awarded a $120,000 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant to Deer Valley Unified School District #97.
The funds received from MCAQD will be used to replace three of the district’s older school buses. The new, more efficient buses will be soon transporting students, while helping reduce emissions which will help the environment.
“Diesel exhaust from buses has a negative health impact on everyone especially children whose lungs are not fully developed,” Maricopa County Air Quality Director Philip McNeely said. “That is why Maricopa County and Maricopa County Air Quality Department is extremely pleased to partner with the Deer Valley Unified School District #97 to help keep our air clean and the students healthy.”
MCAQD currently administers the Environmental Protection Agency’s DERA State Clean Diesel Program, which is designed to improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions. The DERA program provides organizations assistance in replacing their older diesel vehicles for newer clear fuel burning ones.
For further information please contact Edward Limon MCAQD’s Grant Programs Administrator at (602) 506-0147 or by email at EddieLimon@mail.maricopa.gov.
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.
The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
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Contact: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk/(602) 526-7307 cell