Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s energy adviser on Monday presented certificates of appreciation for the dedication and commitment of school bus drivers to "Utah's School Bus Idle Reduction Campaign" during a special ceremony at the Capitol.

More than 3,000 school bus drivers pledged to reduce their idling of buses during the school year to decrease air pollution in and around the buses.

Salt Lake City, Washington and Cache Valley school districts were the key pilot sites involved with the development of the training curriculum provided by Utah Clean Cities Coalition and National Energy Foundation.

The school districts were amazed with the results: a combined average of 21 minutes reduced per day per school bus.

"These school bus drivers demonstrate to every driver that small changes and simple awareness can have an immediate and direct impact on air quality and fuel consumption," said Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City.

— Amy K. Stewart