Atlanta, GA, April 2019: This week, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Green Bus Act - legislation aimed at encouraging states to follow California's goal of transitioning to zero-emission buses by incentivizing the transition to ZET bus fleets and setting an important benchmark for nation-wide adoption of zero-emission bus technology.In brief, the draft Green Bus Act would:

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• Increase funds for the FTA's Low or No Emission Vehicle Component Assessment Program from the current $3 million to $5 million annually;
• Increase funds for FTA's Transit Cooperative Research Program from the current $5 million to $20 million annually;
• Significantly increase funding for FTA bus programs authorizing $450 million in FY2020, increasing $50 million annually to $900 million in FY2029; Increase the set-aside for the FTA's Low or No Emission Vehicle Program from $150 million in FY2020 to $600 million in FY2029;
• Require all new buses purchased with FTA funds be zero-emission buses beginning on October 1, 2029;
• Incentivize transit agencies to have fleet transition plans;
• And require DOT to issue a best-practices report on zero-emission bus programs to help states and transit operators share lessons learned.

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CTE has been working closely with the Congresswoman's staff on this legislation to help her reach her goals of supporting the zero-emission bus transition. We have identified tools and solutions to develop a meaningful proposal that allows transit agencies to transition in a thoughtful and cost-effective manner.