EPA provides millions to New York for electric school buses

BUFFALO, NY — On Friday, the EPA announced a $111 million investment to address New York State’s polluted sites and for zero-emission electric school buses.

In Western New York, the Buffalo Public School District will receive 25 electric buses, the Sweet Home School District will receive eight, and the Depew Union Free School District will receive five.

“We are working together, with state, federal and community involvement, to envision a better future,” said Lisa Garcia, EPA Region 2 Administrator.

This funding will help districts fulfill Governor Kathy Hochul’s electric school bus mandate. The mandate requires that new school buses purchased be zero-emission by 2027, then all school buses in service be fully electric by 2035.

“They deserve to have 100% clean, environmentally friendly, quiet and durable school buses and transportation,” said David Hills, BPS chief operating officer.

First Student plans to electrify 30,000 of the nation’s 46,000 school buses by 2035.

While some people worry about the ability of electric vehicles to withstand our cold winters, First Student says they will.

“We will be able to meet the needs of Buffalo’s children by transporting them safely and reliably every day,” said Kevin Matthews, First Student’s electrification manager.

Matthews mentioned that for First Student, the cost of electric buses is higher than a regular bus, but once the switch is made, these buses will save money.

“We see about a 20 percent reduction in maintenance and operating costs compared to traditional diesel units,” Matthews said.

It was also announced Friday that the Buffalo Niagara Land Trust would also receive a $500,000 brownfields grant to improve formerly polluted areas, creating spaces for families to enjoy.

“Ensuring that our future and our children have places to enjoy oceanfronts, clean neighborhoods and, of course, clean air and clean water,” Garcia said.

The buses should be operational in a little over a year.