Vermont Pauses EV Mandate, Joins Other States

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has ordered a pause in enforcing the state's electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates, modeled after California's regulations requiring increasing zero-emission vehicle sales and a ban on new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The pause, effective through at least the end of 2026, instructs state agencies not to penalize manufacturers or dealers for noncompliance, provided manufacturers do not require dealers to meet EV sales ratios. Scott and industry experts cite insufficient charging infrastructure, high EV costs, and limited progress in heavy-duty EV technology as reasons for the delay. Climate advocates and environmental groups have criticized the pause as a setback to Vermont's emissions reduction targets. State lawmakers recognized the governor's authority but encouraged only a short-term delay. Vermont joins other states, including Maryland, in postponing similar zero-emission vehicle mandates amid national debates over feasibility.