Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued Executive Order 04-25, directing the Agency of Natural Resources to pause enforcement of a multi-state plan requiring vehicle manufacturers to meet certain electric vehicle (EV) sales targets for passenger cars and medium- and heavy-trucks.
“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles. However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable. It’s clear we don’t have anywhere near enough charging infrastructure and insufficient technological advances in heavy-duty vehicles to meet current goals,” said Governor Scott. “We have much more work to do, in order 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.”
Governor Scott remains committed to addressing climate change, including advocating for more charging infrastructure, which is key to supporting Vermonters in making EVs viable and reducing transportation emissions. When it comes to transitioning to a low-carbon future, mandates are not going to be the total answer. Using common sense and incentivizing technological advancements is necessary to overall success and this compliance flexibility is intended to reflect this reality.
Vermont Auto Dealers Applaud Pause on Electric Vehicle Mandates
The Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association (VADA) supports Governor Phil Scott’s decision to issue Executive Order 04-25, directing the Agency of Natural Resources to pause enforcement of Vermont’s electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates. The regulations in question require vehicle manufacturers to meet specific EV sales targets for passenger cars and medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
“Governor Scott’s executive order acknowledges the challenges of electrification mandates and provides much-needed flexibility,” said Jack Castellaneta, President of VADA. “We need to be realistic about what’s achievable and focus on building more practical solutions for our transportation sector."
The order acknowledges challenges such as insufficient charging infrastructure and technological limitations in heavy-duty vehicles, which hinder the feasibility of meeting current EV sales goals. It also addresses concerns that some manufacturers are imposing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales ratios on local dealerships, limiting the availability of internal combustion engine vehicles for Vermont consumers.
Under this directive, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is instructed to use enforcement discretion to ease compliance with the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks standards. This includes refraining from penalizing manufacturers for not meeting ZEV sales targets, provided they do not impose ZEV sales ratios on dealerships and continue supplying internal combustion engine vehicles to meet consumer demand.
While reaffirming Vermont's commitment to reducing emissions, the executive order emphasizes the need for a practical approach that considers current infrastructure and market readiness. It aims to strike a balance between environmental objectives and the realities faced by consumers and dealerships.
Specific details can be found in the Governor’s Executive Order which can be found by clicking here.
5.13.2025. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
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