SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3044

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3044.

      As reported, this bill appropriates $15 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from the General Fund to support the Electric School Bus Program. 

     In August 2022, the State enacted P.L.2022, c.86 (C.26:2C-8.58), which required the DEP to develop and implement an Electric School Bus Program.  Under the law, the DEP will award grants to certain school districts and school bus contractors for the purchase or lease of electric school buses and electric school bus charging infrastructure.  Subject to the availability of funds, the law requires the DEP to provide $15 million in grants during each year of the three-year program.

     Accordingly, this bill appropriates $15 million to the DEP from the General Fund to support the first year of operations of the Electric School Bus Program.  As provided under P.L.2022, c.86, the DEP may use up to five percent of these monies to support administrative costs associated with the program.