In an executive order issued Tuesday afternoon, Scott paused enforcement of rules that would have required car manufacturers to ensure that 35 percent of the cars sold in Vermont in 2026 be zero emission models. The rules, known as Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Truck Rules, were considered key to the state’s carbon reduction goals, which are increasingly out of reach.
The percentage of EV sales was supposed to increase every year until internal combustion engine vehicle purchases would be phased out completely by 2035. But Scott said the impact of the sales ratios on dealers, combined with uncertainty from tariffs and lack of charging infrastructure in the state, made an 18-month pause necessary.
“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles,” Scott said in a statement. “However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable.”
Scott not only paused the rules for passenger cars, but those for the sales of heavy-duty vehicles, as well.
Legislative leaders supported a pause for heavy-duty trucks, acknowledging the market had not matured sufficiently. However, they opposed the measure for passenger cars and light trucks. Climate activists expressed deep disappointment.
Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, called the decision “another example of Gov. Scott retreating on climate action in line with what we’re seeing from Trump and the national GOP.”
“Governor Scott is leaving Vermonters vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution and continues to trap Vermonters in polluting and costly fossil fuels,” said Robb Kidd of the Sierra Club.
Scott’s administration purchased an electric F-150 pickup for his office several years ago, but he has expressed frustration at the inconveniences of charging it in rural areas. In his statement, he stressed the need to beef up the state’s charging network.
“We have much more work to do, in order to make it more convenient, faster, and more affordable to buy, maintain and charge EV’s. When we do, it’s more likely everyday Vermonters will make the switch,” he wrote.
Matt Cota, a lobbyist who focuses on fossil fuel suppliers and car dealers, said only 12 percent of the cars sold in the state in 2024 were EVs. Making the jump to 35 percent in 2026 was simply not possible for many dealers, he said.
Those who couldn’t hit the targets would have faced fines and a reduction in the number of gas-powered vehicles car and truck makers would be willing to send them, Cota said — reducing the selection of cars for Vermonters.