Cost concerns fuel push to amend electric school bus mandate

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Republican state lawmakers want to amend a portion of New York’s electric school bus mandate which requires electric bus fleets by 2035. They worry this will be too costly for districts.

"If they want to buy them, go ahead," said Assemblymember Robert Smullen on Tuesday. "If they are ready for them from an infrastructure standpoint, go ahead. But otherwise, allow the school districts to choose."

Senator Joe Griffo shared some concerns.

"You have a number of utility providers indicating they are unable to provide adequate power to districts, you have fiscal challenges these school districts are already facing. Some of these vehicles, these buses, will not be conducive to long bus routes and weather conditions, particularly when you look at some of the upstate communities."

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s website, $500 million from the Environmental Bond Act will help districts convert their fleets. The state agency notes that electric bus ranges can stretch up to 300 miles, enough for most bus routes. It also adds while these buses cost more up front, they are cheaper to maintain.

Liz Moran, a policy advocate for EarthJustice, supports the state’s electric school bus requirement. 

"We strongly oppose any delay or opt out measure," said Moran. "There is a lot of existing funding pools that exist to help school districts plan for this. There is specific funding in our state bond act to plan for this transition. There’s also funds for purchasing the school buses and for their corresponding electric vehicle electric charging infrastructure."

In a statement, National Grid said, “National Grid’s role in the electric school bus mandate is to enable the transition by working with each school district to determine their specific energy and infrastructure needs related to vehicle charging.”

The company encourages school districts to work with National Grid early, so it can help them access subsidies.

The Republican sponsored legislation is currently in committee.