Diegnan, Lampitt Introduce Bill to Incentivize Electric School Buses

Trenton –  On Monday, Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt introduced legislation to incentivize the purchase of electric school buses.

“Conventional school buses produce toxic diesel fumes which harm the students who are forced to breathe them in. However, cleaner electric buses are more expensive to purchase,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “This bill gives financial aid to schools and contractors who want to switch to a healthier, electric fleet and achieve long-term cost savings.”

“New Jersey is known for being on the cutting edge when it comes to environmental policy that reduces our global carbon footprint,” said Assemblywoman Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington). “By incentivizing school districts to transition to electric buses to fulfill their transportation needs, we demonstrate our state’s commitment to clean energy while improving our children’s health.”

Under the bill, S-3747/A-5334, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would establish a loan program to cover the difference between the cost of a conventional school bus and an electric school bus. Loans would also be available for expenses related to charging infrastructure. Both school districts and private bus contractors would be eligible to apply.

While an electric school bus costs around $120,000 more than a diesel version, fuel and maintenance savings over the lifespan of the bus are around $170,000, according to a 2018 study by the US PIRG Education Fund.

The bill now awaits committee consideration.