Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano expressed his support for a proposal allowing school districts to opt out of the state's zero-emission school bus mandate. The proposal, led by Assemblyman Robert Smullen and joined by local school superintendents, suggests that schools could apply for a waiver from the commissioner of education to bypass the requirements set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

DeStefano criticized the mandate, stating it does not consider regional differences such as those on Long Island. He remarked, "The renewable energy mandate is unrealistic, being the largest unfunded mandate in a generation. This mandate places an undue burden on communities that lack the resources to implement such changes."

He further noted skepticism regarding claims from state leaders about market growth and cost reduction resulting from the mandate. "While the Governor and Albany Majority claim that this mandate will help grow the market and reduce prices, we haven’t seen this come to fruition," he added.

The proposed bill by Smullen aims to allow more flexibility in implementing these mandates based on specific regional circumstances.