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Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of an additional $200 million in funding for zero-emission school buses under the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. This funding is part of the $4.2 billion allocated for the Act and will support the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification planning for public schools. The goal of the program is to improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities across New York State.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) provides incentives for eligible school bus fleet operators to purchase zero-emission buses, install charging infrastructure, and develop fleet electrification plans.
  • The program offers funding for up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus, with priority given to high-need school districts and districts with significant portions of their population living in disadvantaged communities.
  • All school districts can qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.
  • The program has been successful in supporting the transition to zero-emission school buses, with 88 school districts applying for funding to purchase 529 buses, including 50 priority school districts accounting for 406 buses.
  • NYSERDA aims to ensure that at least 40 percent of the New York School Bus Incentive Program benefits disadvantaged communities, in line with the Bond Act's goal of 40 percent.
  • Resources are available for school bus fleet operators to transition their fleets to zero-emission buses, including an Electric School Bus Guidebook and support from NYSERDA.

Statistics:

  • $200 million in additional funding is now available for zero-emission school buses through the Environmental Bond Act.
  • 88 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 529 buses, including 50 priority school districts accounting for 406 buses.
  • 400 districts are working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans.
  • At least 40 percent of the New York School Bus Incentive Program benefits will go to disadvantaged communities.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul, "Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding Now Available for Zero-Emission School Buses" (July 22)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris, quoted in Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding Now Available for Zero-Emission School Buses.
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton, quoted in Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding Now Available for Zero-Emission School Buses.
  • New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian, quoted in Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding Now Available for Zero-Emission School Buses.
  • New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, quoted in Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million Environmental Bond Act Funding Now Available for Zero-Emission School Buses.

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