Limited Enforcement Discretion Related to the Advanced Clean Trucks Program – NYS DEC

• NYSBCA had multiple meetings with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Governor’s office to discuss our concerns with the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. Thanks to ongoing advocacy from NYSBCA and our coalition partners, NYS DEC issued enforcement discretion, giving manufacturers more flexibility in complying with ACT requirements. Specifically, penalties will not be enforced for medium- and heavy-duty ZEV deliveries or sales shortfalls associated with model years 2025 and 2026. While further changes to the ACT regulation are anticipated, we will continue to monitor developments and keep our members informed.

Contract Modification

• Successfully blocked a harmful NYSED contract modification legislative proposal. Thereafter, this past October, the State Education Department (SED) released its electric school bus progress report, which you can review by clicking here. We continue to collaborate closely with state partners on contract modification issues and are encouraged by ongoing progress. Contract modification is referenced in the SED progress report on pages 19–20, and we will continue to keep our membership informed as developments occur.

Zero-Emission School Bus Purchase Mandate - Additional Extension

• In relation to the 2027 purchase mandate, school districts may now request up to two extensions (max 24 months each) to meet the zero-emission bus purchase mandate. (4 years vs. 2 years). Previously, the law allowed districts to apply for a one-time 2-year waiver (bringing the purchase mandate to 2029). Now, school districts can apply two times for the 2-year waiver (bringing the purchase mandate to 2031 if the waiver is granted twice).

• Successfully obtained an exemption from congestion pricing for NYC DOE school bus contractors. Starting January 5, 2025, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan — local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street — will be charged a toll. The Congestion Relief Zone includes local streets and avenues in Manhattan south of and including 60 Street, excluding the FDR Drive, West Side Highway/Route 9A, and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street.

• “Green Ribbon Panel”-- Facilitated by several elected officials, NYSBCA has been meeting monthly with NYSERDA and other stakeholders to communicate not only our expertise and experience with electrification, but also our concerns, whether it is with infrastructure, vehicle production, or many others. These monthly meetings with NYSERDA are now referred to as the “Green Ribbon Panel” and are absolutely critical in ensuring the industry’s concerns are heard and addressed by leaders in government.

• NYSBCA continued to successfully block an overly restrictive legislative proposal by SED in regard to contract modification. We continue to work together with SED, the Governor’s office, as well as the legislature to get this across the finish line.