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Leander Independent School District (LISD) is leading the charge in sustainable school transportation with the largest propane bus fleet in Central Texas. With 181 propane buses already on the road and more on the way, Leander ISD is proving that eco-friendly initiatives can go hand-in-hand with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The transportation department’s commitment to sustainability is set to grow even stronger as they plan to purchase an additional 30 propane buses through the district’s bond funding and will receive additional funding from the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)’ Texas Clean Bus Program. This award will provide funding for four more propane buses, pushing Leander ISD closer to its goal of operating all 165 routes with propane-fueled buses.
Currently, 160 out of 165 routes in the district are powered by propane buses, a testament to Leander ISD’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. The district still maintains a few diesel buses for longer out-of-town trips of fueling. Still, they’re constantly evaluating routes using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Station Locator to maximize the use of propane across their fleet. With the new buses on the horizon, Leander ISD plans to have all 165 routes running on propane, by next year marking a significant milestone in their sustainability journey.
This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Tracie Franco, the Senior Director of Transportation, and Billy Jackson, the Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor, have been at the forefront of this initiative, building on the legacy of Kirby Cambell, who first introduced propane buses to the district in 2009. Since fully committing to propane in 2012, one of the main hurdles they’ve encountered is overcoming the initial apprehension of first-year drivers unfamiliar with propane-fueled buses. However, with proper training and support, these concerns have been addressed, allowing the benefits of propane to shine through.
Billy Jackson proudly shares that using propane is an “efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars.” Thanks to grants and natural gas rebates, the cost of a new propane bus can be up to 50% less than a diesel bus. Additionally, operating propane buses is more economical, costing 30 to 50 percent less per mile than diesel buses. But the advantages don’t stop at cost savings. Propane buses also offer significant health benefits, including a lower carbon footprint and reduced exposure to particulate matter, which is especially beneficial for student respiratory health.
Safety and student well-being are at the heart of Leander ISD’s transportation strategy. The district currently operates out of two facilities equipped with large propane fueling stations—a 15,000-gallon tank at one location and a 12,000-gallon tank at the other. As they look to the future, plans for a third facility are already underway. This new site will be pre-wired for electric buses, a forward-thinking move that’s 4-6 times less expensive when done during construction rather than as a retrofit for EV charging.
While electric vehicles (EVs) are on the horizon, Tracie and Billy believe that transitioning to propane is the best step for now. Propane buses not only offer immediate health benefits for students but also serve as a vital stepping stone toward eventually achieving a zero-emission fleet. Leander ISD’s thoughtful approach ensures they’re not just driving buses—they’re driving change.
As Leander ISD continues to expand its propane fleet, it sets an example for other school districts across the state and the nation. Their commitment to sustainability, cost-efficiency, and innovation is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a better future for students and the community. With every new propane bus that hits the road, Leander ISD is driving towards a cleaner, greener future.
On August 16th, 2024 we attended the Smart Mobility AI Symposium at The University of Texas at Austin! It was an incredible experience to meet UT Austin Students who are excited to be discussing the future of EV charging, infrastructure, and its evolving applications over time.
A special shoutout to Joseph Barletta from Smart Charge America, founder of eCab and board member Chris Nielsen, and our Director Elizabeth Munger for their insight and overview of Electric Vehicles and EV infrastructure. Huihai Wang– thank you for the Invitation!
For the first time, our director shared our new logo for the first time in person, as we changed our name to Central Texas Clean Cities on August 30th.
Takeaways from the Symposium:
🔋 Public Charging Stations help expand the EV Infrastructure, having a ratio like Joseph’s 90/10 RULE (90% of charging happens at home/10% of charging happens in Public) allows municipalities to have a goal for how many public charging stations they should invest in to install based on their EV adoption rates.
🚛 The Future of Fueling Stations
As new and cleaner technologies emerge for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, Traditional Gas Stations and Truck Depots will begin to evolve to have more fueling options like DC-Fast Chargers, CNG, E-85, and Hydrogen as fueling options.
🚙 New Emerging Technologies will allow for more -close-to-fully AI-operated vehicles but overcoming some of the challenges surrounding safety tends to be caused by human behavior rather than technology errors.🚶♂️
💡The future of AI Vehicles may be possible!
However, we must always learn to walk before we can run! Electric Vehicles may be the key to having fully automated vehicles but EV technologies still need time to evolve. Who will be fueling the AI-operated vehicles? At the moment, it is not cost-effective for EVs to use wireless charging but as technology continues to evolve, will fully AI-operated vehicles become a reality?
Tighter Air Pollution Restrictions put Travis County at Risk of Nonattainment by Chikage Windler
Summary: Tighter air pollution restrictions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are putting Travis County at risk of being classified as “nonattainment,” meaning it could fail to meet federal air quality standards. The county’s average particulate matter levels from 2020-2022 exceed the new limits. This designation could lead to stricter regulations and possible economic consequences for the region. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely to address potential impacts and ensure compliance with the updated standards. Read full story here.
Stay up to date with Air Quality Alerts from Air Central Texas when PM2.5 and Ozone are forecast to reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups via email alerts. They will provide tips on how to reduce exposure to air pollution and how to cut down on your emissions.
Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) Program $55M
Grants for Locomotive, Marine, Stationary or Select Non-road Equipment
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) is now accepting applications for the ERIG program provides financial incentives to re-power or replace older locomotive, marine, stationary equipment, or select non-road equipment to reduce NOX emissions in ozone non-attainment areas and affected counties in Texas. Grants are available for individuals, state and local governments, corporations*, or any other legal entity.
Eligible Projects:
Select non-road equipment*
Stationary equipment
Marine vessels
Locomotives
*Note: If your non-road equipment is listed in the Maximum Eligible Grant Tables for the Rebate program, it is NOT eligible for ERIG. Applicants with eligible projects may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure that will be installed on-site. Allowable alternative fuels are: electricity, hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane (LPG), or methanol.
Limited funding available. This is a competitive grant based on criteria described in the Request for Grant Applications, accepting applications for grants through October 29, 2024.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to apply.
Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program (SPRY) $20.3M
Grants for Drayage and Cargo Handling Equipment
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) is now accepting applications for the Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program (SPRY) provides grants for upgrading or replacing older drayage and container handling equipment. Grants are available for individuals, corporations, organizations, governments, government agencies, and any other legal entity, which also may include a corporation headquartered outside of Texas that operates eligible equipment in Texas.
Eligible Projects:
Replacing or re-powering drayage and cargo handling equipment and vehicles with newer ones.
New vehicles and equipment must emit nitrogen oxides (NOX) at a rate that is at least 25% less than the vehicles or equipment being replaced.
Applicants must have owned or leased eligible vehicles and equipment for at least the two years preceding the signature date on the application. Examples: aerial lifts and cranes, forklifts, crawler tractors, container handling equipment, haul trucks and yard trucks.
Applications will be accepted and considered first-served program based on criteria outlined in the Request for Grant Applications until March 4, 2025 or until all available funds have been awarded.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to apply.
Free Technical Assistance to Develop Bus Fleet Electrification Plans
Technical Expert Assistance to Support Planning for Bus Electrification
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation are working together to provide The Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA) Program. The CBPA is not an incentive program, and fleets do not receive direct funding—rather, selected applicants will be allocated technical assistance resources by NREL.
Applications for assistance are open on a rolling basis through Sept. 30, 2024, giving fleets an opportunity to fully understand their needs before applying for support. This new program will reduce the burden of electrification by helping fleet managers create a step-by-step plan to transition their bus fleet. Click here to apply.
The Lunch and Learn featured CBPA Project Lead, Mike Jones who discussed how this project benefits the electrification process of your Fleet!
New Technology Implementation Grant Program (NTIG) $25.4M
Grants for New Technologies Facilities and Other Stationary Sources
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) will be accepting applications for the New Technology Implementation Grant Program (NTIG) in October 2024. The grant will be to assist in the implementation of new technologies to reduce emissions of regulated pollutants from facilities and other stationary sources in Texas. Grants are avaible for business owners or operate a stationary source located in the state of Texas that emits pollutants.
Eligible Projects:
New Technology-Stationary Sources
New Technology Oil and Gas Projects
Electricity-Storage Projects
Learn more about eligible projects here.
The Request for Grant Applications will be opening in October 2024.
Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Program (TNGVP) $24.4M
Grants for Natural Gas Heavy-duty or Medium-duty Vehicles
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) will be accepting applications for the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Program (TNGVP) starting in September 2024. The grant will be to encourage an entity that owns and operates a heavy-duty or medium-duty motor vehicle to repower the vehicle with a natural gas engine or replace the vehicle with a natural gas vehicle. Grants are avaible for Individuals and entities operating an on-road heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicle registered to operate in Texas.
Eligible Projects:
Replacement Projects
Repower Projects
TCEQ will provide grants to offset the incremental cost for the replacement or repower of an eligible medium-duty or heavy-duty motor vehicle with a vehicle or engine powered by natural gas. Under the TNGVGP, eligible natural gas fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The Request for Grant Applications will be opening in September 2024.
Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP) $86.6M
Grants for repowering or replacing eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric models, along with supporting infrastructure.
The Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP) is a program that provides grants to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Texas. The program is part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) and is overseen by the Air Grants Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Grants are available individuals, state and local governments, corporations, or any other legal entity. This may include a corporation headquartered outside of Texas, but which operates vehicles or equipment primarily in an eligible priority area in Texas.
Eligible Projects:
To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be replacing or repowering a vehicle or a piece of equipment from one of the categories listed below, and may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure.
Class 8 Local Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, & Transit Buses
Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks
Airport Ground Support Equipment
Forklift and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
Refueling Infrastructure
TCEQ is accepting applications under the All-Electric Program. They will award grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless the application period is suspended by TCEQ prior to the deadline, applications must be received at TCEQ no later than 5:00 p.m., CST on August 31, 2025.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming Events We’ll Be At- Join us!
We’re proud to be an Official Partner of the EV SUMMIT USA, taking place on October 15 at the University of Texas in Austin.
Join us in shaping the future of North American emobility this fall. Use code CTCC20 for 20% off and secure your Early Bird Delegate Pass to the EV SUMMIT USA, available only this month before prices increase on October 1st:
https://www.evsummit.biz/ev-summit-usa/us-delegates
The EV SUMMIT is the leading, high-level, global emobility event, renowned for delivering visionary thought leadership and powering partnerships into the tens of millions. Are you ready to be part of the next success story?
Upcoming Events We’ll Be At- Join us!
September 23th, 2024 10:15 AM- 2:30 PM CST
Located at Oncor Service Center in Hutto
How To Register
Send an email to EV@Oncor.com with your name, organization, and session date that you would like to attend.
For more information:
EV Charging Study
Oncor’s Energy Efficiency group is sponsoring an EV charging study with incentives for enrollment up to $10,000, participation up to $10,000, with a maximum incentive of $25,000.
There are still a few spots left, so please come to the EVolution session to learn more.
November 13th, 2024
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has extended the $0.50/Gallon Natural Gas/Propane Federal Tax Credit through December 31, 2024.
This webinar will walk you through how to claim the credit. If you own natural gas or propane vehicles or forklifts and fuel at your refueling site, you are eligible to claim the credit. This includes public fleets, non-profits and private companies. You do not need to pay taxes to claim the credit.
More Information Coming Soon!
Don’t miss the window to submit your retroactive claims.
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A U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership.