SCHOOL BUSES NOT PART OF ARB RULES.

Byline: - Kerry Cavanaugh

State air regulators have decided to require Southern California transit operators to buy alternative-fuel models when they replace their diesel buses, but they did not apply the new rules to school buses and garbage trucks.

The California Air Resources Board decision this week doesn't mean Southern California school districts or trash companies can begin buying diesel vehicles, because South Coast Air Quality Management District rules already require those fleets to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles.

But AQMD officials worry that their alternative-fuel mandate could be overturned in court if engine manufacturers renew a long-standing fight over the AQMD rules.

Despite its decision this week, the Air Resources Board said that if a court overrules the Southern California alternative-fuel requirements, the state will reconsider the school bus and trash truck rules they declined this week.

Some school districts opposed the alternative-fuel mandate because they say they can't afford increased maintenance and operation costs of natural gas buses.

Doug Snyder with the California Association of School Transportation Officials was pleased with the ARB decision because it may discourage other regions from adopting alternative fuel-only rules, even though it won't impact Southern California schools.

Todd Campbell with the Coalition for Clean Air said the Air Resources Board's decisions were inconsistent.

``Clearly if our state passes a rule to protect the health of adults riding on public buses, then they should pass an equal, if not stronger, rule to protect the health of children on dirty diesel school buses, who are even more at risk from air pollution,'' Campbell said.