§ 22a-201d — Zero-emission school buses and alternative fuel school buses. Grant program for the purchase or lease of zero-emission school buses. Provision of administrative and technical assistance regarding use of zero-emission school buses.

(a) As used in this section, (1) “zero-emission school bus” has the same meaning as provided in 42 USC 16091(a)(8), as amended from time to time, (2) “alternative fuel school bus” means a school bus that reduces emissions and is operated entirely or in part using liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, propane or biofuels, and (3) “environmental justice community” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 22a-20a. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, (1) on and after January 1, 2035, one hundred per cent of the school buses that provide transportation for all school districts in the state shall be zero-emission school buses or alternative fuel school buses, and (2) on and after January 1, 2040, one hundred per cent of the school buses that provide transportation for all school districts in the state shall be zero-emission school buses. (c) On and after January 1, 2030, one hundred per cent of the school buses that provide transportation for school districts entirely within an environmental justice community as of July 1, 2022, or in an area that encompasses at least one environmental justice community as of July 1, 2022, shall be zero-emission school buses. (d) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall establish and administer a grant program for the purpose of providing matching funds necessary for municipalities, school districts and school bus operators to submit federal grant applications in order to maximize federal funding for the purchase or lease of zero-emission school buses and electric vehicle charging or fueling infrastructure. Applications for such grants shall be filed with the commissioner at such time and in such manner as the commissioner prescribes. The commissioner shall give preference to applications concerning the purchase or lease of a zero-emission school bus that will be operated primarily in an environmental justice community. The commissioner shall determine the amount a municipality, school district or school bus operator shall be required to provide to match such grant. (e) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall, within available funds and appropriations, provide administrative and technical assistance to municipalities, school districts and school bus operators that are transitioning to the use of zero-emission school buses, applying for federal grants for such buses and installing electric vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure.

Legislative History

(P.A. 22-25, S. 13.) History: P.A. 22-25 effective July 1, 2022.