Vermont Governor Phil Scott has issued an executive order effectively halting the state’s compliance with a rule requiring car manufacturers to deliver increasing numbers of zero-emission vehicles to dealerships. The rule, adopted in 2022, mandated that 35% of vehicles delivered to dealers be zero-emission starting in model year 2026.
Infrastructure Concerns Drive Decision
Scott cited the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure and technological limitations in heavy-duty vehicles as key reasons for his decision. “I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles,” Scott said. “However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable.”
Climate Advocates Express Concern
Climate advocates have expressed disappointment with the governor’s decision, arguing it will hinder Vermont’s climate goals. Ben Walsh of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group stated, “Without an assurance that manufacturers are actually going to deliver electric vehicles to Vermont and Vermonters, there simply isn’t any way that we can get where we need to go on reducing climate pollution here in Vermont.”
Industry Reaction
The Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association welcomed the executive order, with Matt Cota noting that current demand for electric vehicles in Vermont is not sufficient to support the mandate. “In a way, if you don’t create the demand of electric vehicles, all you’re doing with this regulation — you’re not putting more electric vehicles on the road, you’re harming the local businesses that sell vehicles of all types,” Cota said.
The decision also postpones Vermont’s compliance with zero-emission mandates for heavy-duty trucks. Seventeen states have adopted the California standards that Vermont was following.
