A proposed amendment to fully repeal New York State’s electric school bus mandate was defeated in the State Senate.
The measure, sponsored by State Senator George Borrello, a Republican representing the 57th District, would have eliminated the mandate and directed the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study the feasibility of transitioning school districts to zero-emission vehicles.
In a statement following Monday’s vote, Borrello criticized the decision, saying the Senate majority chose to keep schools “on the hook for a policy that is unaffordable, operationally flawed, and disconnected from the realities facing most school districts.”
Borrello pointed to a recent review conducted by the Naples School District, where officials raised concerns about the performance and cost of electric buses. According to the district, cold weather significantly reduced performance and made heating the buses difficult. Officials also reported challenges with longer routes and extracurricular travel.
The district found operating costs for electric buses were three to five times higher than diesel, with purchase prices starting around $435,000 compared to roughly $168,000 for a diesel bus. Additionally, officials said the district is nearing its electrical capacity, limiting its ability to expand an electric fleet.
Naples Superintendent Kevin Swartz described a full transition to electric buses as “impractical.”
Under current state law, school districts must begin purchasing only electric buses by 2027, with a full transition required by 2035. While districts can apply for a two-year waiver, some have faced pushback from voters over the cost of the vehicles.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently indicated that portions of the state’s 2019 climate law timelines could be delayed, but did not specifically address the electric school bus mandate.
