In recognition of National Drive Electric Week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced a significant step towards cleaner transportation. The state will allocate $15 million in grants to support the purchase of 48 electric school buses. This funding marks New Jersey's first major investment in zero-emission buses aimed at improving the health of students and communities.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of clean energy for school transportation, stating, “It is our responsibility as elected officials to ensure that the vehicles carrying our children to school do not adversely affect their health outcomes as they grow." He added that his administration has dedicated $30 million to clean energy initiatives.
First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted the dangers of diesel emissions, noting, “Diesel-fueled vehicles emit toxic particles into our communities causing air pollution which directly impacts our children developmentally before they are even born.” She described the grants as investments in family health and safety.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette also commented on the vulnerability of children to air pollution, stating, "Children, whose lungs are still developing, are most vulnerable to the harmful health effects of poor air quality."
The Electric School Bus Grant Program is funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Fund and authorized by legislation signed by Governor Murphy in 2022. Christine Guhl-Sadovy, NJBPU President, expressed support for the program: “The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is proud to support the DEP’s ground-breaking Electric School Bus Program.”
In addition to bus funding, NJDEP announced participants in its New Jersey Fleet Advisor program. This initiative provides technical assistance for fleets transitioning to electric vehicles. Jennifer Kritzler from CALSTART praised this collaboration: “CALSTART is thrilled to partner with NJDEP to bring personalized fleet assistance to small fleets in New Jersey.”
Through these efforts, New Jersey aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health by transitioning from diesel-powered school buses. Currently, over 99% of the state's 21,700 school buses run on fossil fuels.
The grant recipients span various regions and include schools such as Beloved Charter School and districts like Hudson County School District. The Fleet Advisor program involves diverse participants ranging from Charged Up Electric in Mountainside to Passaic County Paratransit.
By addressing concerns about zero-emission vehicles and providing resources for electrification plans, these programs strive toward achieving environmental justice and sustainable transportation solutions across New Jersey.
