NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A3139

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3139

Introduced
3/7/22  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of A3139 will have a direct positive impact on local school districts by providing them with accessible financial resources to transition from diesel-powered buses to electric vehicles. This transition is expected to yield environmental benefits, including reduced emissions and improved air quality in densely populated or 'overburdened' communities. The bill also mandates that school districts conduct energy assessments to analyze costs and potential savings associated with electric buses, thereby fostering informed decision-making around fleet management and transportation options.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3139 aims to promote the adoption of electric school buses in New Jersey by establishing a dedicated financing program under the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB). The bill directs the NJIB to create an Electric School Bus Financing Program, which will allocate $20 million annually from the societal benefits charge revenues for the purpose of financing the purchase of electric school buses and related charging infrastructure by school districts. This is a significant move toward enhancing the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and modernizing its transportation infrastructure within the educational sector.

Contention

Despite its positive aspirations, A3139 has sparked discussions regarding the prioritization of funding and support for school districts, particularly those in overburdened communities. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the initial financial burden of transitioning to electric vehicles, as the purchase costs and installation of charging infrastructure may still pose challenges for smaller or underfunded districts. Critics may call for additional provisions to ensure equity in access to financing, as well as comprehensive guidance on successful implementation strategies for the proposed program.

Latest A3139 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ S886

Same As 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.

Similar Bills

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 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 S886

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 A4131

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S419

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S201

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A574

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A4867

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.