Opinion: Why the Electric School Bus Mandate is Essential for New York State 

“The transition to electric school buses is not a matter of choice—it’s a matter of necessity for New York’s children, communities, and workers.”

Last month, Republican lawmakers in Albany introduced a bill to make New York’s transition to electric school buses optional. But the transition to electric school buses is not a matter of choice—it’s a matter of necessity for New York’s children, communities, and workers.

Yet, fear-driven misinformation, fueled by powerful industries, continues to distort the conversation. It’s time to dismantle these misleading narratives and face the truth: the changes we need are not just possible, they are urgent. We owe it to future generations to act now, unencumbered by false claims, and create a stronger, more sustainable future for all.

Critics cite the high upfront cost of electric school buses as a reason to delay or halt the transition, but this ignores long-term financial savings. Electric buses are cheaper to maintain and operate: They have fewer moving parts, require less frequent servicing, and are powered by electricity—an energy source far cheaper than diesel. Over time, this will result in significant savings for school districts. In fact, when all those factors are considered, the total cost of electric school bus ownership is expected to be lower than a diesel bus over the lifetime of the vehicle. 

To offset any onerous upfront costs, there is specific funding allocated in the state Environmental Bond Act to pay for both the buses themselves and the corresponding charging infrastructure. Districts can get to work now with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to create a plan for the cost and implementation of this transition leading up to the 2035 deadline.

Electric buses are tested and reliable and are already safe and transporting children to school in communities across New York every day. Furthermore, as demand for electric buses grows, the technology will only continue to improve and get less expensive. Manufacturers will continue to innovate, and the charging infrastructure will evolve alongside these advancements.

The infrastructure to support electric vehicles is expanding rapidly, public charging stations are becoming widespread, and electric school buses will be integrated into this growing network. School districts have 10 years to transition their whole fleet—that’s a long time, and there is ample state support to get there. We cannot let the fear of new technology delay progress. The electric school bus is no longer a “maybe” or a “someday.” It’s “right now,” and it’s ready to deliver. 

This is perhaps the most dangerous argument of all: that we have time to wait. New York State has already committed to ambitious climate goals, and the transition to electric school buses is a critical part of this puzzle. The longer we delay, the harder it will be to meet these targets, and the truth is the environmental and health consequences of continuing to rely on diesel buses cannot be ignored any longer.

Every day we wait, children continue to breathe in toxic diesel fumes, communities continue to suffer from pollution, and climate change continues to accelerate toward disaster. Waiting isn’t just imprudent—it’s reckless. We owe it to future generations to act now, not later. 

Critics also argue that electric school buses are only feasible in urban centers, and that rural communities would be left behind. This is a narrow perspective that fails to recognize the potential of electric buses to benefit all communities. Electric school buses are just as suitable for rural areas as they are for cities.

The promise of electric buses goes beyond just the buses themselves. The infrastructure that support them—like charging stations and green energy grids—will be an economic boon for both rural and urban areas alike. By investing in this infrastructure, we can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and ensure that every community feels the benefits of this transition. 

To those who argue that we should slow down or delay the electric school bus mandate, we say: the time to act is now. Every small step we take forward is a step in the right direction. We can no longer afford to let fear, misinformation, or complacency dictate our future. 

Let’s reject the status quo. Let’s choose innovation, sustainability, and the health of our children. We have the opportunity to lead the nation into a new era of clean, green transportation. We cannot afford to waste another moment. 

New York State: it’s time to act. The electric school bus mandate is not just a choice—it’s the right choice. Let’s make it happen.

Suhali Mendez is the policy and legislative coordinator at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI). Cecilia Ellis is the state regional supervisor at the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).