In a move to promote clean energy transportation, New Jersey's Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the allocation of $15 million in grants for the purchase of 48 electric school buses. This funding marks the state's initial significant investment in zero-emission buses aimed at improving air quality and safeguarding children's health.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of this initiative, 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 these grants reflect his administration's dedication to environmental justice and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted the health benefits of transitioning from diesel-fueled vehicles, noting that such emissions can impact children's development even before birth. She stated, "These grants for zero-emission buses are investments in the health and safety of our mothers, babies and families."
The Electric School Bus Grant Program is managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and funded through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Fund. The program was authorized by legislation signed by Governor Murphy in 2022, providing up to $45 million over three years for replacing diesel school buses with battery-electric ones.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of NJBPU, 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." She noted that these awards would improve air quality and public health for vulnerable communities.
Diesel exhaust contains pollutants harmful to human health, particularly affecting children whose lungs are still developing. The DEP has previously worked on retrofitting diesel-powered school buses but sees electric buses as a further step towards eliminating emissions.
The grant recipients span various regions across New Jersey, including areas classified as overburdened communities. Schools like Beloved Charter School and districts such as Hudson County School District have been awarded funds for purchasing electric buses and installing charging stations.
Alongside bus funding, Commissioner LaTourette announced participants in the New Jersey Fleet Advisor program. This initiative offers free expert advice from CALSTART to help small fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles. Jennifer Kritzler from CALSTART commented on their collaboration with NJDEP: "We truly believe that working one-on-one is the best way to meet fleets’ needs."
The Fleet Advisor program addresses concerns about knowledge gaps related to zero-emission vehicles and aims to encourage adoption through direct assistance. It will continue accepting applications until all spaces are filled.
