The third installment of funding from New York’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 just added $200 million for zero-emission school buses in the state, according to a July press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul. The money, which will be distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP), will be spent on purchases of electric buses, EV charging infrastructure and fleet electrification planning.

New York’s public schools are currently transitioning to zero-emission technologies, which will improve air quality and reduce pollution.

“New York State is leaning into our Environmental Bond Act commitment to provide public schools with the funding and resources to make electric school buses more affordable,” Hochul said. “We are leaving no school behind as we reduce pollution from vehicles so every student can benefit from clean air while building healthier, more sustainable communities for New Yorkers across the state.”

NYSBIP offers incentives to eligible school bus fleet operators who purchase zero-emission buses. This includes school districts and school bus operators. Charging infrastructure vouchers are also available to help with the installation of Level 2 or DC fast chargers. Additional funding is provided for development of fleet electrification plans.

Funding and incentives may cover up to 100% of the cost of a new or repowered electric school bus, which could cover all or at least some of the cost of zero-emission buses, making them comparable in price to diesel or gasoline buses. Distribution of funds is on a first-come, first-served basis.

School bus fleet operators in New York can also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans to assist with electric bus adoption.

Under NYSBIP, 88 school districts have applied for funds to purchase 529 buses. This includes 50 priority school districts accounting for 406 buses. The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities receive no less than 35% percent, with a goal of 40%.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which administers the program, set a goal of at least 40% of the New York School Bus Incentive Program going to disadvantaged communities. In addition, NYSERDA is working with 400 districts to create fleet electrification plans.

Other resources offered to school bus fleet operators for transitioning their fleets to zero-emission buses include an Electric School Bus Guidebook, a collection of user guides highlighting the benefits of electric school buses. This can raise awareness about Bond Act funding available to school districts in order to help communities understand the health and climate benefits that electric buses provide.