Directs BPU to develop and implement electric school bus pilot program.
Impact
The bill mandates the selection of at least three school districts or bus contractors from different regions of the state, ensuring that at least one district involves a low-income or environmentally affected community. The BPU is authorized to allocate up to $10 million in grants to support the procurement of electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. This move aligns with state goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener alternatives to fossil fuels, potentially influencing future legislation and investments in environmental sustainability.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1254 establishes an Electric School Bus Pilot Program in New Jersey aimed at assessing the operational reliability and cost-efficiency of electric school buses compared to traditional diesel-powered buses. Managed by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in collaboration with various state departments, the program spans three years and intends to provide insights into the feasibility of widespread adoption of electric school buses for student transportation. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainable transportation options in public education.
Contention
Opponents of the bill may raise concerns about the upfront costs and logistical challenges associated with transitioning to electric school buses, especially in districts with limited budgets. Supporters view this pilot program as a crucial step towards modernizing public transportation infrastructure, particularly within communities that have historically been underserved. The bill demonstrates a significant policy shift towards prioritizing environmental outcomes and may set a precedent for further innovations in transportation policy as it progresses through the legislative process.
Requires DEP to develop and implement electric school bus program; provides for $15 million in first year and $15 million annually in subsequent two years to DEP, subject to availability, to provide grants.
Requires DEP to develop and implement electric school bus program; provides for $15 million in first year and $15 million annually in subsequent two years to DEP, subject to availability, to provide grants.
Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.
Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans.
Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.
Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification and decarbonization plans.
Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.
Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires certain entities to submit plans to implement individual beneficial building electrification and decarbonization programs.
Requires DEP to develop and implement electric school bus program; provides for $15 million in first year and $15 million annually in subsequent two years to DEP, subject to availability, to provide grants.
Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires certain entities to submit plans to implement individual beneficial building electrification and decarbonization programs.
Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans.
Permits business entities and nonprofit organizations to adopt certain responsibilities related to stormwater management basins; provides corporation business tax credit for adoption of stormwater management basins in certain watersheds.
Requires DEP to develop and implement electric school bus program; provides for $15 million in first year and $15 million annually in subsequent two years to DEP, subject to availability, to provide grants.