PERC campaign highlights benefits of propane-powered buses

The Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) Back-to-School campaign, now in its third year, has given schools across the United States a total of $75,000 in recognition of their commitment to their students and communities by using propane-powered buses.

Propane-powered school buses are a growing trend. Nearly 790,000 students are expected to ride school buses powered by propane rather than gasoline or diesel fuel this school year, according PERC. The council says 750 school districts in 47 states are operating more than 13,000 propane school buses. Additionally, propane bus sales have increased by about 10 percent each of the last two years.

Donations are made in partnership with the nonprofit, AdoptAClassrom.org, which allows funds to be directed to teachers in each district to use in the classroom. Jenna Bush Hager, journalist and former teacher, is a returning partner to the campaign.

“As a former teacher and parent, I know that the school day begins and ends on the bus for many children,” Hager says. “When we give our kids a safe, quiet and healthy start to the day, it can improve their entire experience in the classroom and at home, too.”

Propane buses are quieter than diesel and reduce exposure to diesel exhaust, which the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies as a carcinogen.

“Propane school buses present so many advantages for students, school districts and their communities,” says Tucker Perkins, PERC president and CEO. “These buses are quieter and offer reduced emissions compared to old diesel buses, making them a better option for students, drivers and the community. They cost less to operate, too, so schools can put more money back into the classroom where it can impact students most.”