Vermont Governor Phil Scott has halted the state’s ambitious electric vehicle mandate until 2026, acknowledging that the infrastructure simply isn’t ready for California-style zero-emission requirements.
At a Glance
- Governor Phil Scott paused Vermont’s electric vehicle sales requirements for both passenger and commercial vehicles
- Vermont was among 11 states following California’s plan to end gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035
- Scott cited insufficient charging infrastructure and unrealistic timelines for the pause
- The order prevents penalties against manufacturers who don’t meet California’s regulations through 2026
- Maryland recently made a similar move, delaying enforcement until 2028
Reality Check on EV Mandates
Vermont’s Republican Governor Phil Scott issued an Executive Order Tuesday pausing the state’s electric vehicle sales mandates, joining a growing list of states reconsidering California-style zero-emission vehicle requirements. The pause affects both passenger cars and commercial vehicles and will remain in effect until the end of 2026, giving the state time to address critical infrastructure gaps.
Vermont adopted California’s aggressive zero-emission vehicle rules in 2022, which would have required dealers to begin selling significantly more electric vehicles starting in 2026, ramping up to 68% of new vehicle sales by 2030, and ultimately banning new gas-powered cars entirely by 2035. The regulations were designed to help Vermont meet its emissions reduction targets, but Scott determined the timeline was simply unworkable.
Infrastructure and Practical Concerns
Scott’s decision stems from practical concerns about Vermont’s readiness for such a dramatic shift in transportation. The state currently lacks sufficient charging infrastructure to support widespread EV adoption, particularly in rural areas. Commercial vehicle electrification faces even greater hurdles, with technology for heavy-duty electric trucks still in early development stages.
Automakers had warned state officials that the aggressive mandates could create serious market disruptions. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation cautioned that manufacturers might need to restrict the supply of traditional vehicles in Vermont to meet the mandated electric vehicle sales percentages. This would effectively limit consumer choice and potentially drive purchases to neighboring states without such restrictions.
A More Measured Approach
Rather than abandoning clean vehicle goals entirely, Scott’s order takes a more measured approach. It prevents state agencies from taking enforcement actions against manufacturers who don’t comply with California’s regulations, provided those manufacturers don’t impose electric vehicle sale quotas on Vermont dealerships. The Governor maintains that incentives, rather than mandates, represent a more effective path forward.
Vermont’s pause aligns with Maryland’s recent decision to delay enforcement of similar rules until the 2028 model year. Maryland Governor Wes Moore cited concerns about tariffs and charging infrastructure funding when announcing his state’s postponement. Meanwhile, the federal battle over California’s authority continues, with the U.S. House voting to bar California’s 2035 EV plan, though the Senate has yet to take up the measures.
Legislative Response
The Governor’s decision has generated mixed reactions among lawmakers. Senator Anne Watson expressed a preference for maintaining the clean car standards but acknowledged Scott’s authority to issue the pause. Watson and some colleagues had previously suggested a shorter delay of perhaps one year, but ultimately, Scott opted for the longer timeframe to allow for more substantial infrastructure development.
California’s zero-emission vehicle rules would have required 35% of light-duty vehicles in the 2026 model year to be zero-emission models in Vermont, a target that appeared increasingly unrealistic given current EV adoption rates and infrastructure limitations. For now, Vermont will continue encouraging EV adoption through incentives while building the necessary charging network to support future requirements.
