Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill this week as part of her $254 billion budget that will give schools additional time to transition their bus fleet to zero emission vehicles. Up until now, schools had to accomplish 100-percent zero emission busses by 2035, with the first phase beginning in less than two years.
In order to qualify for an extension, schools will have to apply with NYSED to be awarded the extension and show difficulties in transitioning, as well as showing that they are currently making progress towards the zero-emissions goal.
Previously, experts have complained the move won’t work for all districts, especially those in Upstate New York with large footprints, cold weather, and hilly terrain. Additionally, even officials from National Grid have said the technology is too premature for such a large scale project as the grid is not yet ready to handle such a burden…