Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions - August 13, 2024
New York State Funds Zero Emission Buses, Charging Infrastructure
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that an additional $200 million is available to school districts and bus operators for zero-emission school buses through the second installment of funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).
The funding is distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) and provides support for the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure or fleet electrification planning as public schools transition to zero-emission technologies that improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities.
“Paving the way for zero-emission school buses not only cleans our air, it protects the health and wellbeing of our students,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “With increased funding for schools to transition to clean transportation options, we are reducing harmful emissions and pollution, helping to ensure that both students and residents are breathing clean, fresh air and enjoying healthier environments to live, work and do business.”
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), NYSBIP provides incentives to eligible school districts and bus fleet operators purchasing electric buses.
Charging vouchers for school districts or bus operators are also available, and funding is provided for these groups to develop fleet electrification plans.
The funding covers up to 100% of the incremental cost of a new or repowered zero-emission school bus, depending on the type of vehicle, helping make the cost of an electric bus comparable to that of a gas or diesel bus.
The charging vouchers can offset the cost of installing Level 2 or DCFC fast chargers. All school districts in New York State also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide each with a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.
Since NYSBIP’s launch, over 75 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 350 buses, including 51 districts located in disadvantaged communities. Nearly half of the state’s school districts are now working with NYSERDA to create Fleet Electrification Plans. To date, 250 districts have started developing these plans, and over 100 additional districts are in the process of applying for fleet planning in coordination with their local BOCES districts.
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