NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A1254

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1254

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1282

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.

NJ S759

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.

NJ A1474

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.

NJ A5591

Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans.

NJ A3139

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.

NJ A4716

Makes supplemental appropriation of $15 million to DEP for implementation of Electric School Bus Program.

NJ S249

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.

NJ A4901

Directs BPU to study development of, and create pilot program for, construction of small modular nuclear reactor.

NJ S218

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.

NJ A4844

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.

Similar Bills

NJ A1282

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.

NJ A1798

Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

NJ A4844

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.

NJ A3019

Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.

NJ A2031

Establishes fully autonomous vehicle pilot program.

NJ A5591

Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans.

NJ A159

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.

NJ S759

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.