By 2040, the World LP Gas Association predicts that renewable propane could meet half of the world’s demand for propane. Renewable propane is made from feedstock like plant and vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oils. Conventional propane, or propane that comes from oil and natural gas refining, is already very low in emissions; one study from West Virginia University demonstrates it is 96% cleaner than diesel.

Renewable propane’s properties make it even cleaner, to near zero emissions.

In conjunction with O’Connor Bus Sales, Bonny Eagle MSAD 6 is the first district east of the Rocky Mountains to use renewable propane. Of the 38 buses we run on a daily basis, 30 of them are powered by propane. The fuel is dispensed by the largest propane fueling station in the state, and fueling is easy, taking just minutes.

Propane — whether it’s conventional or renewable — eliminates that black smoke released from the tailpipe of a diesel bus (called particulate matter), along with emissions you can’t see, like nitrogen oxides. Propane also saves our district about 50% in fuel costs and its clean-operating properties reduce our maintenance expenses.

We were already sold on propane school buses as a clean energy option to dirty diesel buses, and renewable propane enhances that sentiment. I encourage all Maine and New England school districts to take a hard look at propane. It just makes sense for us.

Sarah Marean

Director of Transportation

Bonny Eagle, School Administrative District 6

Buxton