The new SL buses will be more efficient users of diesel, but will not eliminate MBTA's tailpipe emissions, which is what the Environmental Justice advocacy groups have been asking for when it comes to SL replacement vehicles. Given that Eastie and Chelsea already bear the burden of the airport noise/emissions, the natural gas facilities, and the motoring tailpipe emissions from the two regional highways cutting through to downtown Boston, they were hoping that the MBTA would completely remove themselves as a contributor to tailpipe emissions in the area.
Also, the EJ advocacy and transit advocacy groups have been asking the MBTA to consider extended-range trackless trolleys with inmotion charging as an alternative to the current diesel-electric hybrids on the SL to be able to provide better service and to remove tailpipe emissions from Chelsea and Eastie.