Bill > HB2945

This bill establishes a comprehensive strategy for transitioning Oregon's school bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles, focusing on reducing air pollution and supporting disproportionately impacted communities. The legislation sets progressive targets for zero-emission school bus purchases, requiring 10% of new buses to be zero-emission by 2030, 50% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. It defines a zero-emission school bus as a vehicle that meets state education standards and produces no exhaust emissions. The bill mandates that in disproportionately impacted communities, at least 50% of new buses must be zero-emission by 2030 and 90% by 2035. School bus fleet owners will be prohibited from purchasing non-zero-emission buses if a comparable zero-emission bus is available at an equal or lower cost. The Department of Environmental Quality will provide technical and financial assistance to help school districts transition, including developing transition plans, helping with grant applications, and supporting charging infrastructure development. A new Zero-Emission School Bus Assistance Fund will be created to support these efforts, with a requirement that at least 40% of funds be allocated to disproportionately impacted communities. The bill becomes operative on January 1, 2026, and takes effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2945