This bill mandates that all motorbuses purchased for public transportation in New Jersey must be electric-powered by 2035, implementing a phased transition. Starting in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2030, public entities are required to ensure that at least 25% of new buses purchased are electric, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2035. To facilitate this transition, public entities must begin preparations, including staff training and facility retrofitting, in the first fiscal year after the bill's enactment. The bill also allocates an annual appropriation of $82 million to support these efforts.

Additionally, the New Jersey Transit Corporation and other public entities must submit a report by March 1, 2025, detailing their progress in transitioning to electric motorbuses, including staff training and facility upgrades. The bill amends existing legislation by sunsetting the current mandate for lower emission alternatives by fiscal year 2030, thus aligning with the goal of achieving a zero-emission fleet. It also establishes a "Universal Service Fund" to support various social programs related to energy services and includes provisions for funding Class I renewable energy projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:1B-22, 48:3-60