Lawmakers just voted down an effort to undo the statewide electric school bus mandate, keeping a tight timeline in place for districts across the state.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York is pressing ahead with its plan to require all school districts to transition to electric buses, following a failed effort in the State Senate to repeal the mandate.
The proposal to overturn the requirement, introduced this week by Republican State Senator George Borrello, was voted down, allowing the state’s timeline to remain in place.
Under the mandate, school districts will be prohibited from purchasing new diesel buses beginning next year and must fully phase out their use by 2035. The policy is part of the state’s broader push toward electrification, though it has drawn criticism over potential costs and logistical challenges for districts.
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Borrello voiced strong opposition to the statewide requirement, arguing that it imposes a uniform solution regardless of local circumstances.
“If there’s some school districts who feel this is right for them and they can afford it, God bless them. But to mandate it all throughout New York State, this one-size-fits-all mandate is just irresponsible,” Borrello said.
Concerns about affordability and operational reliability have also been acknowledged by Gov. Kathy Hochul. In response, the state will allow school districts some flexibility in meeting the mandate. Districts can apply for up to two separate two-year extensions, potentially delaying full compliance beyond the original deadlines.
Despite these concessions, the core timeline remains unchanged, at the moment. New York State will continue to move forward on eliminating diesel-powered school buses in favor of electric alternatives over the next decade.