The U.S. state of New York has unveiled a $200 million funding initiative aimed at helping school districts and operators transition to electric school buses. This marks the second round of financial support under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
The initial round of funding, which occurred about a year ago, made $100 million available and saw over 75 school districts applying for assistance to acquire approximately 350 electric school buses. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) played a pivotal role by releasing the criteria for manufacturers and dealers to apply for the incentive program.
“NYSERDA is proud to help New York State public schools transition to clean, electric student transportation fleets with robust funding available for buses, charging infrastructure, and electrification plans,” said Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA. “We look forward to supporting more schools with this additional Bond Act funding so more students across the state can enjoy healthy, quiet and comfortable rides to and from school each and every day.”
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the broader environmental and health benefits of the initiative, stating, “Paving the way for zero-emission school buses not only cleans our air, it protects the health and wellbeing of our students. With increased funding for schools to transition to clean transportation options, we are reducing harmful emissions and pollution, helping to ensure that both students and residents are breathing clean, fresh air and enjoying healthier environments to live, work, and do business.”
Under New York state law, all school buses must be zero-emission by 2035, with a mandate that from 2027, only zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) can be purchased. The state has committed to several funding rounds to assist school districts and operators in financing the acquisition of electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure. Additionally, New York City has received $1.5 million from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s Ride and Drive Electric Programme to support the planning and coordination of electrifying its school bus fleet.
