BILL NUMBER: S5942
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to creating an
electric school bus infrastructure investment pilot program; and making
an appropriation relating thereto
 
PURPOSE:
To create an electric school bus infrastructure investment pilot
program; appropriation.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the economic development law by adding a new article
6-B to establish an Electric School Bus Infrastructure Investment Pilot
Program to be administered by the Department of Economic Development.
The program will award grants to two school districts within each
economic development region annually on a competitive basis. These
grants will support the planning and construction of clean energy
micro-grids necessary for converting to electric school buses, covering
costs like engineering and land use studies. The New York Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will contribute $20 million
from funds collected from ratepayers for clean energy programs. The
authority is also tasked with creating rules and regulations for this
program, which must be finalized by June 15, 2025.
Section 2: A sum of up to twenty million dollars, or so much thereof as
may be necessary, is appropriated from the state treasury's general fund
to the Department of Economic Development for carrying out the
provisions of this act. These funds will be made immediately available
and payable upon audit and warrant by the comptroller, with vouchers
certified or approved by the commissioner of economic development as per
legal requirements.
Section 3: Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Electric School Bus Infrastructure Investment Pilot Program is a key
initiative to help New York meet its clean energy and climate goals. By
providing competitive grants to school districts, the program will help
fund the development of clean energy micro-grids needed for electric
school buses. This infrastructure will reduce long-term costs and ensure
reliable bus power generation. The $20 million contribution from the New
York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will support
the program using funds collected from ratepayers, easing the financial
burden on school districts. This funding will help transition to elec-
tric buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect April 1, 2025 and shall expire and be deemed
repealed April 1, 2030. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.