Electrical Power Strip

New Jersey Commits $45 Million for Electric School Buses

New Jersey’s investment spreads over three years and will focus on low-income areas.   August 26, 2022


By Dave Lubach, Managing Editor


New Jersey recently signed into law a significant commitment to electric school buses. 

Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that provides $45 million over three years to purchase zero-emission buses for school districts or bus contractors, according to NJspotlightnews.org. The article says that half of the money will be allocated to low-income urban or environmental justice communities. 

Officials hope that the commitment will accelerate efforts to convert a fleet of 15,000 diesel buses to electric vehicles. The cost for such a transition is prohibitive – up to $400,000 for each vehicle compared to $150,000 for diesel buses. 

The electric commitment is part of Murphy’s goal to transition from fossil fuels to 100 percent clean energy by mid-century. According to the article, transportation accounts for more than 40 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions. 

Considered lagging behind other states in the electric bus transition, New Jersey’s latest commitment to electric buses nearly doubles the past investment. Previously, the state spent $24.5 million to purchase 77 zero-emission buses, which have yet to hit the road. 

Dave Lubach is the managing editor, Facililty Market. 

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