Governor Hochul announces additional $200 million Environmental Bond Act funding available for zero-emission school buses
ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that an additional $200 million is now available to school districts and bus operators for zero-emission school buses through the second installment of funding from the historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).
The funding, distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP), 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.
“With increased funding for school 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.
It also offers charging vouchers to school districts or bus operators and provides funding for these groups to develop fleet electrification plans.
This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or re-powered 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.
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.
Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
