New York school districts struggling to meet the state’s zero-emission bus mandate by 2027 may now qualify for a second 24-month extension. The catch? Districts must show they’ve worked in good faith with NYSERDA to overcome barriers like cost, infrastructure, and power supply issues.
Supporters say the flexibility is essential, as districts still face pandemic-era setbacks and rising technology costs. Lawmakers also added $100 million in aid, but critics argue the state should conduct cost and feasibility studies before pushing forward.
New legislation under consideration would give small or challenged districts until 2040 to comply, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all timeline isn’t realistic for every community navigating the shift to electric fleets.
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