Today, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the state's FY 26 Enacted Budget, which includes up to $100 million in new funding to support the state’s commitment to achieve the first fully zero-tailpipe-emission statewide school bus fleet in the country.

Also included is additional waiver flexibility and technical assistance for districts, as well as a provision for manufacturers to provide range estimates for their vehicles.

This funding was part of the Sustainable Future Program, building on the decision for all new school bus purchases to be zero-emission by 2027, while requiring that all school buses in operation be electric by 2035.

This funding complements the $500 million already dedicated through the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act) passed by voters in 2022. 

Most of New York’s50,000 school buses still run on diesel.

New York school districts have committed to nearly 900 electric school buses. More than half of districts in the state have completed or are working on plans to electrify their school bus fleet.

Sue Gander, director of WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative, shared this statement about the news:

“New York continues to lead the charge on prioritizing student health. This additional funding reflects the state’s commitment to delivering quiet, clean rides for the more than 2 million students who ride the bus to school in New York. 

“With a phased-in process that features adequate funding, resources, expanded waiver flexibility, and stronger technical support, New York’s transition to electric school buses offers school districts the support they need to make it happen. This funding is especially important for students from underserved communities, who too often bear the greatest impact of diesel and other pollution. And not only are electric school buses better for students’ health, they also are being used successfully in New York and elsewhere on a variety of routes and in cold weather conditions. They’re even being used to help strengthen the electric grid by sending power back when it’s most needed. 

“States have long led the way on delivering clean rides for students. The funds in this budget will deliver cleaner school commutes for New York’s kids, create new jobs, and combat climate change. It’s a great opportunity for other states to learn from their leadership.”