Energy (Electric Vehicles)

SB 682 appropriates $6.5 million in one-time state funds for capital improvements at the Charlotte Nature Museum, operated by Discovery Place, Inc. The bill allocates $1.5 million specifically for completing sidewalks, parking lots, and electric vehicle charging stations across the museum property, and $5 million for the Tree Canopy Walk project, including its construction, safety features, accessibility upgrades, and educational exhibits. These funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and will directly support physical infrastructure and visitor experience enhancements at the museum. The project benefits the museum's operations and the public who visit the facility.

SB 612 requires all new school buses purchased by North Carolina school districts to be electric starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with the goal of converting the entire school bus fleet to electric by the end of the 2049-2050 school year. It also creates a grant program to help small counties purchase electric "activity buses" (used for field trips and events) by covering up to 50% of the cost. The bill appropriates $350 million for general school bus conversions and $50 million specifically for the activity bus grant program, beginning in 2026-2027. This directly affects all school districts, with additional financial support targeted at smaller counties eligible for supplemental funding.