Residents urge district to pursue NYSERDA funding and fleet electrification planning

During public comment, two speakers urged the Cornwall Central School District to plan for electric school buses and to pursue available New York State funding.

Natalie Wren of Mothers Out Front updated the board on local organizing and encouraged the district to pursue NYSERDA’s school‑bus funding (NYSBIP). Wren acknowledged federal EPA funding uncertainties but said NYSERDA programs still offer substantial support that can make bus electrification cost‑neutral or close to it. She said she would provide more materials to district staff and to Mr. Dade (the superintendent) and thanked board members who had discussed the issue with her offline.

Lofton Reiser, who identified himself as affiliated with West Point Tours, spoke about vehicle safety and operational factors. Reiser cited a 2022 study he summarized comparing vehicle fire rates (the presenter’s comparison was 1,530 combustion‑engine vehicles per 100,000 vs. 25 electric vehicles per 100,000, noted as an across‑the‑board statistic for electric vehicles). He said electric buses’ lower center of gravity can reduce rollover risk and that modern electric buses can travel 100–200+ miles per charge, typically exceeding many route distances. Reiser acknowledged reduced battery range in very cold weather and cited approximate performance figures discussed in the public comment: about 80% of rated range at 32°F and about 60% at 10°F.

Reiser said West Point Tours conducted a Central Hudson electrification assessment and concluded that current local grid capacity could support four electric school buses at present. Both speakers said they had reached out to state legislators and utilities to seek support for the district.

Board members thanked the speakers; the comments were presented as public input and no board action was taken during the comment period.