Senator Gallivan Co-Sponsors Legislation Allowing School Districts to Opt-Out of Electric Bus Mandate

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) is co-sponsoring legislation (S.3328) that would provide school districts across New York with an opportunity to request an exemption from the state’s zero-emission school bus mandate set to go into effect in 2027.  By submitting an opt-out waiver, districts would be permanently exempt from the provisions passed as part of the 2022-23 state budget.

Under the mandate, all new school buses purchased in New York must be zero-emission by 2027 and all school buses in operation must be electric by 2035.  However, many school districts have expressed concern about their ability to comply with the mandate, citing the cost of the vehicles and the lack of adequate infrastructure to charge the buses.

“The cost of zero-emission school buses and the equipment necessary to charge them is significant, and many districts are worried about the financial challenge associated with this mandate,” Senator Gallivan said. “Without additional financial support to help offset this expense, districts may be forced to cut programs or services to students. We all want to help protect the environment, but we must take a more affordable and realistic approach.”

In addition to the cost of electric school buses, leaders in some rural districts have raised concern about the overall effectiveness of the vehicles.  The combination of long routes and significant charging times raises questions about the viability of the buses. Questions have also been raised about the ability of utility companies to provide adequate power. 

The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Education Committee.

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