In an executive order, Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday paused Vermont’s looming electric vehicle sales mandates.

The requirements, tied to California regulations and adopted by Vermont in 2022, would have mandated dealers sell an increasing percentage of electric vehicles starting with model year 2026, ultimately banning the sale of new gas-powered passenger cars by 2035. 

By regulating traditional motor vehicle sales, the rule would help Vermont meet its emissions reduction goals. But critics, including Scott, have argued the state lacks the charging infrastructure — among other preparations — necessary for such swift change.

“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles,” Scott said in a news release announcing his order. “However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable.”

Scott’s order directs the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources not to take action against car manufacturers that fail to meet California’s regulations. If manufacturers want to be eligible for the pause, they must not impose the electric vehicle sale ratios on their dealerships, according to the order.  

The pause lasts until the end of 2026. 

Sen. Anne Watson, D/P-Washington, who chairs the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, said in a brief interview that she would prefer Scott “hold the line” on the clean car standards. 

But, she said, she signed a letter to Scott with other lawmakers, including House Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, acknowledging the governor’s power to pause the requirement and asking him to take a shorter-term approach — like a one-year pause — if he decided not to let the restriction take effect. 

“Sounds like that’s what they’ve done,” Watson said. 

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