Diegnan, Greenstein Bill to Develop an Electric School Bus Pilot Program Clears Committee

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., which would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop and implement an electric school bus pilot program, cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

“Replacing diesel buses with electric school buses will lower the State’s carbon footprint and reduce air pollution around schools,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “A pilot program will allow us to test the performance and durability of electric bus technology and hopefully set the stage for the widespread introduction of these environmentally-sound and cost-effective alternatives.”

“Climate science is clear, we must reduce our carbon emissions immediately and effectively,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “It is a crucial goal for not only local governments but for the planet to quickly implement all possible methods to lower carbon emissions, one major method is by consolidating public transport and the use of electric vehicles.”

The bill, S-2436, would direct the BPU to develop a three-year electric school bus pilot program in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and the Motor Vehicle Commission. The program would help determine the effectiveness, cost efficiency, and operational obstacles in replacing diesel-powered buses with electric school buses for daily student transportation.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 3-2.