BUFFALO, N.Y. — Republican state lawmakers and some school district officials say they are trying to "pump the brakes" on one of Governor Hochul's climate plan provisions. It would require total zero-emissions school buses for all school districts by the year 20-35. So this represents some political push-back.
They're in the minority but GOP state lawmakers hope to raise taxpayer concerns over some of the projected costs of a total electric school bus conversion for the state's over 700 school districts.
Those EV buses have been estimated by some superintendents to cost up to $400,000 dollars. The New York State School Boards Association projects that is two to four times more than a conventional existing diesel school bus. That is even though there could be less maintenance and no diesel fuel purchases.
The state says it will distribute $500 million dollars from the voter approved Environmental Bond Act to assist with that transition.
But New York State Senator George Borrello says "Where is the rest of the money coming from? It's gonna come from our school districts. It's gonna come from our property taxpayers that are already overwhelmed "
Horseheads School District Superintendent Dr. Tom Douglas says residents in his Southern Tier district were surveyed on new electric bus purchases. with 65 percent stating they would not support it with the cost factor. "How much can the local tax bases bear with a program that's being touted by our Governor and the Public Service Committee but yet not funded. And for most of the school districts, we will not see the funding until well after the communities have been forced to pay."
They say also factor in greater electric power capacity required from utility companies and the costs of installing heavy voltage charging stations in bus garages Al Karama who is the Director of Transportation for the Shenendehowa School District points out "We will need to spend $50 Million on the infrastructure upgrade. This is gonna require voter approval. This costs will cover the increase in electrical power coming into our campus."
Locally the Lakeshore Central School District, which obtained specific federal grant money for costs, says its two electric buses have performed well. But skepticism about cold weather operation rand battery lifespan remains
Borrello says Republicans will introduce a bill to call upon the state's energy research agency to a feasibility study and a cost benefit analysis. "Let's have NYSERDA study this in every condition - in the cities, in the suburban areas and our rural areas. Let's find out what happens."
The Governor's office response again mentions that $500 million dollar fund to help districts with the transition. It also says zero emissions could help reduce concerns about the potential impact of diesel buses and the fumes on children's health.
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