After years of Advocacy and Organizing with the, NYC Clean School Bus Coalition for the Passage of Intro 455-A, which Mandates the Replacement of Diesel School Buses with Electric School Buses, the Bill was finally brought to a Vote, and Passed by the NYC Council, on October 7th, 2021.
With a Vote of 44-1, NYC Children, Parents, School Bus Workers, and Community Members, are guaranteed a Transition of the School Bus Fleet to Electric Power, Five years earlier than the Original Version of the Bill.
The New Version of the Bill also includes a Stipulation that requires the Department of Education (DOE) to Report on a Variety of Implementation Targets, some regarding Equitable Distribution of Buses, in accordance with Three Deadlines: July 1st, 2023, 2028, and 2033.
This is a Major Win, because NYC is the Largest School District in the Country, sending out the most School Buses Nationwide.
For years Dirty Diesel School Buses have been Poisoning the Air and Lungs of our Children, with Environmental Justice Communities and Students with Disabilities facing a Majority of the Impacts.
Electric School Buses are important to combating Climate Change, and Preventing the Millions of Tons of Toxic Chemicals, Greenhouse Gases, and Pollutants, that Diesel School Buses release into our Atmosphere, Land, Waterways, and Lungs, every School year.
Intro 455-A is Monumental Legislation for NYC, ensuring that there is a Full-Proof Plan, in place, that Prioritizes Community and Planetary Health.
The Bill was First Proposed in 2018, by Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-25th District).
Thanks to Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-3rd District) and Mayor Bill Deblasio (D), for their Support in making this Bill a Reality.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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