EPA v. CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Case summary

On July 11, 2023, EPA issued an administrative order on consent (AOC) to the City of Cranston, Rhode Island, to obtain compliance with provisions of the federally approved Connecticut state implementation plan (SIP) in its operation of school buses. Rhode Island Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 45 prohibits the excessive idling of diesel motor vehicles and is approved and enforceable by EPA. EPA observed Cranston school buses idling excessively at its Fletcher Avenue facility. The AOC requires Cranston to certify that it is operating in compliance and to implement various measures designed to promote compliance with the idling requirements, including: providing drivers with training and education and obtaining their written acknowledgement of the requirements, requiring supervisors to provide drivers with daily reminders, applying decals to the buses with information about idling limits and the City's idling protocol, and activating tracking mechanisms on the buses that notify supervisors of excessive idling so they can follow up with the drivers. EPA has notified the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management of this matter. The facility is an area of potential environmental justice concern.

Defendants (1)

• City of Cranston, RINamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  76 FLETCHER AVENUE, CRANSTON, RI, 02920

  Registry ID: 110071241058

Statutes cited

• CAA 110 — Implementation Plan for National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLSentered 2023-07-11

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2023-07-11Final Order Issued
• 2023-07-11Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-07-17Enforcement Action Data Entered