New York State Announces Additional $200 Million in Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses

New York State has taken a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier environment with the announcement of an additional $200 million in funding for zero-emission school buses. This funding is part of the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, which aims to reduce pollution and promote sustainable energy in the state. The funding will be distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) and will support the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification planning.

Key Takeaways:

• The additional $200 million in funding is part of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
• The funding will be distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) and will support the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification planning.
• The program is open to all school bus fleet operators in New York State and provides incentives for the purchase of zero-emission buses, including up to 100% of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus.
• The program also provides funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.
• New York State aims to ensure that at least 40% of the benefits of the New York School Bus Incentive Program go to disadvantaged communities.
• The program has already seen significant interest, with 88 school districts applying for funds to purchase 529 buses and 400 districts working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans.

Statistics:

• $200 million in additional funding for zero-emission school buses
• $4.2 billion total funding for the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022
• 88 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 529 buses
• 400 districts are working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans
• 40% of the benefits of the New York School Bus Incentive Program aimed at disadvantaged communities
• New York State aims to eliminate emissions from vehicles by 2050

Sources:

• "Governor Hochul Announces Additional $200 Million in Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses" (MIL-OSI USA News)
• Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022
• New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP)
• New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
• New York State Department of Public Service (DPS)
• New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald
• State Senators Kevin Parker, Shelley B. Mayer, and Jeremy Cooney
• Assemblymembers William Magnarelli, Michael R. Benedetto, and Didi Barrett
• Association of School Business Officials Executive Director Brian Cechnicki
• New York School Bus Contractors Association President Tommy Smith
• Mothers Out Front Distributed Senior Organizer Sarah Smiley