State Rep. Robert Smullen, District 118 | Official U.S. House headshot
State Rep. Robert Smullen, District 118 | Official U.S. House headshot
Assemblyman Robert Smullen of the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks held a press conference in Albany to advocate for his Assembly Bill A.2005. This bill, which aligns with Senate Bill S.3328 sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo, seeks to allow school districts in New York State to opt out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements that are set to be implemented statewide.
The press conference featured several speakers, including Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Assemblymen Phil Palmesano, Scott Bendett, and Matt Simpson, as well as superintendents Dr. Nick Fitzgerald, David Halloran, Andrew Cook, and Thomas McGurl.
With over 700 school districts in New York facing the mandate's full implementation by July 1, 2027, Smullen argues that transitioning to zero-emission buses is not feasible for many rural districts due to challenges such as costs, electrical capacity issues, driver shortages, difficult terrain, and weather-related problems.
“With that deadline approaching, many school districts are worried,” said Smullen. He emphasized the state's diversity and noted that the transition is not achievable for many rural areas.
Senator Griffo expressed his support: “The zero-emission school bus mandate has created a variety of legitimate challenges for many districts across the state.” He believes allowing schools to opt out will let them decide if they want to participate in this initiative.
David Little from the Rural Schools Association of New York State highlighted concerns about funding and its impact on education quality: “Getting kids to and from school should never interfere with their actual education.”
At the event, Smullen and others voiced concerns about potential financial strains on districts if these issues remain unaddressed. They warned that schools might have to increase taxes or overspend to meet goals set by the mandate.
“Our rural school districts deserve our support,” concluded Smullen. He stressed that schools should decide if they have the necessary infrastructure and funding for such a transition.
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