$100 million will be made available on a statewide basis for zero-emission school buses in the first round of funding available for these buses under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. By utilizing this funding, school districts and bus operators statewide will be able to phase out fossil fuel buses, curb emissions, and make zero-emission buses more affordable.
The state is requiring all new school buses sold in New York State be zero-emission by 2027 and all school buses on the road be zero-emission by 2035. The application process to receive funding will open November 29th.
On Thursday, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released the program rules, officially launching the pre-application process through which bus manufacturers and dealers can apply to qualify for the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP). The program rules will guide the total Bond Act allotment of $500 million for zero-emission school buses and infrastructure. The application process to receive funding will open on Wednesday, November 29th. To provide more information about the NYSBIP goals, guidelines, process, and timelines, NYSERDA will host a webinar on October 11th at 12 p.m., where you can register here.
“The commitment of public funds and guidance released today puts New York State schools and bus operators on a trajectory to embrace clean transportation and the benefits that it will bring,” Governor Hochul said. “Zero-emission buses will become a hallmark, not only transporting students through our communities, but also demonstrating the promise and possibility of a healthier, environmentally friendly, low-carbon future for our youngest citizens.”
