Politics
La Crosse can buy diesel bus because of Volkswagen fine
The La Crosse MTU is scheduled to get a new diesel bus soon, as part of a $67 million fine paid to the state by Volkswagen.
The automaker was fined for cheating on emissions tests and the state of Wisconsin will spend millions from those fines to buy diesel and electric buses for local governments.
La Crosse will receive money to help buy one diesel bus, priced at more than $400,000.
La Crosse MTU director Adam Lorentz asked for three buses:
Other cities on the list will get more buses — three for Eau Claire, 10 for Madison and 15 for Appleton.
Some environmental advocates would prefer to spend the money just on electric buses.
Lorentz said new diesel and electric vehicles, which have been ordered, will help complete the fleet of nearly two dozen city buses for La Crosse.
La Crosse is in the process of replacing all of its older, gas-powered buses with diesel or electric.