A new transportation initiative approved with the passage of the state budget requires all new school buses to be electric by 2027.
New York State will require all new school bus purchases to be zero emissions by 2027, according to a press release from Governor Kathy Hochul. All school buses on the road must be zero-emissions- meaning a switch from diesel to electric- by 2035 as part of the state’s ambitious climate goals.
The state’s FY 2023 Budget passed by the Legislature on Saturday includes $500 million through the Environmental Bond Act to support school districts as they transition to electric vehicles. The funds will help cover costs related to purchasing electric buses and vehicle charging stations.
Additionally, the state budget authorizes school districts to lease or finance zero-emission buses for 12 years, more than double the current five-year limit for diesel buses.
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