Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order on May 13 putting the state’s electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements for passenger cars and medium- and heavy-duty trucks on hold amid concerns over the feasibility of zero-emission vehicle rules and the lack of adequate charging infrastructure.
The measure aimed to accelerate the state’s transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by requiring manufacturers to produce vehicles certified to increasingly more stringent emission categories.
Specifically, it directed manufacturers to gradually increase deliveries of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) for sale in Vermont to 100 percent by 2035, starting with model year 2026 vehicles.
Vermont is among a dozen states—including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts—that have adopted California’s zero-emission vehicle rules or similar regulations.
Despite agreeing to the new standards, Scott said on Tuesday that it was clear the state lacks sufficient charging infrastructure and technological advances in heavy-duty vehicles to be able to meet its current EV sales goals.
His order instructs the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to use its enforcement discretion to ease compliance with the plan, including by not taking action against manufacturers that do not meet their sales obligations and targets, and declining to pursue penalties against those with ZEV delivery shortfalls.
According to the order, such actions will not be taken against manufacturers provided they do not impose ZEV sales ratios on dealerships and continue to supply internal combustion engine cars to dealerships seeking those vehicles.
Scott’s order will remain in full force until Dec. 31, 2026, or until the governor, in consultation with the Secretary of the ANR, determines whether to amend or rescind it.
Scott ‘Committed to Addressing Climate Change’
Though the ZEV rule has been put on hold, Scott’s office said he remains “committed to addressing climate change,” including advocating for more charging infrastructure across the state, which it said is essential in helping make EVs viable and reducing transportation emissions.It added that mandates are “not going to be the total answer” when it comes to transitioning to a low-carbon future.
“Using common sense and incentivizing technological advancements is necessary to overall success and this compliance flexibility is intended to reflect this reality,” his office said.
“We need to be realistic about what’s achievable and focus on building more practical solutions for our transportation sector,” Castellaneta said in a statement.
Moore’s order cited concerns among manufacturers that the ZEV requirements would be too difficult to meet in the state, as well as “indications” that the policies of the Trump administration, including its tariff plans, would “greatly impact” compliance.
In May, the House of Representatives also voted to ban California’s plans to require an increasing number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, as well as its 2035 EV plan, a move that would repeal the legal approval for the rules granted by the Environmental Protection Agency under former President Joe Biden.
California contends Congress cannot reverse the Biden administration’s decision under fast-track rules.
The Senate has yet to take up the measures.
