Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan and several school superintendents are calling for the repeal of New York’s all-electric school bus mandate, citing cost and operational concerns.
They said the policy could place financial strain on school districts and raise questions about infrastructure and safety.
The mandate requires school districts to transition from diesel-powered buses to electric models in the coming years. Diesel buses typically cost between $100,000 and $150,000, while electric buses range from $300,000 to $450,000, not including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades.
School leaders said those added costs could lead to higher property taxes and force reductions in programs or staffing.
“This mandate places an unsustainable burden on our schools and local taxpayers,” Gallahan said. “When the state forces districts into costly transitions without providing the necessary funding, it’s students, seniors and working families who ultimately pay the price.”
Gallahan also raised concerns about infrastructure, saying electric buses can weigh 25% to 30% more than diesel models, which could increase wear on roads and bridges.
“There are still serious questions about battery disposal, long-term storage and the potential safety risks associated with large-scale battery systems,” Gallahan added. “Communities deserve clear answers before being forced into a costly statewide mandate.”
District leaders also pointed to operational challenges, especially in rural areas with long routes and limited charging time between runs.
“We support cleaner transportation, but the electric bus mandate presents significant challenges for Otselic Valley Central School,” Superintendent Brian Collier said. “The buses are considerably more expensive, installing the necessary charging infrastructure is costly and many of our rural roads and bridges may not safely support the added weight over time. Combined with uncertainties about battery performance and long-term student safety, these issues must be addressed before the mandate can be successfully implemented.”
Gananda Central School District Superintendent Shawn Van Scoy said replacing 29 buses with electric models could cost about $13.5 million over eight years, or roughly $1.7 million annually. He said the district’s share would exceed its allowable tax levy increase.
“This gap forces an untenable choice between maintaining essential educational programs and meeting the electric bus mandate,” Van Scoy said.
Bloomfield Central School District Superintendent Andy Doell said the mandate could shift focus away from classroom priorities.
“If this mandate results in a loss of academic programming, student supports, arts, athletics, career and technical education or advanced coursework, then we have lost sight of our core mission,” Doell said.
Gallahan said he plans to work with school leaders and lawmakers to repeal the mandate and allow districts more flexibility.
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