Transportation (Electric Vehicles)

Enacts a highway use tax on fuel-efficient vehicles which get at least 30 miles per gallon; requires the installation of an on-board unit to record miles travelled; reimburses vehicle owners for gas tax through a credit against highway tax; deposits moneys into the dedicated highway and bridge trust fund.

This bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered, with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new buses starting July 1, 2027. It also mandates that any procurement for school transportation services or infrastructure components must prioritize U.S.-made parts and assembly, with limited waivers available for cost or feasibility concerns. School districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis by the education commissioner. The law applies directly to all public school districts and their contractors, aiming for full transition to zero-emission buses by 2047 or when all state vehicle fleets meet the standard.

Establishes clean energy goals of reducing the annual total of vehicle miles traveled within the state by 20% by the year 2050; requires state and local highway projects to comply with reductions to vehicle miles traveled targets.

S 5408 authorizes NYSERDA to distribute $500 million for zero-emission school buses and supporting infrastructure, requiring contractors (like dealers, manufacturers, and retrofit companies) to submit a "New York jobs plan" detailing job creation, wages, benefits, and environmental commitments. The jobs plan must include specifics on hiring displaced workers, creating jobs in disadvantaged communities, using recycled materials, and responsibly sourcing minerals like lithium and cobalt. Incentive amounts for bus purchases or conversions are determined by the jobs plan, with higher payments for meeting goals related to job quality and community benefits. This directly affects school districts purchasing buses, contractors, and their suppliers.