January 12, 2025
Back to Work
The Vermont Statehouse is buzzing as newly elected lawmakers settle into their roles. This session marks a significant shift in leadership: for the first time in over 20 years, Republicans chair both Transportation Committees. Representative Matthew Walker (R-Swanton) leads in the House, while Senator Richard Westman (R-Lamoille) chairs in the Senate. New leadership is also in place for key committees like the House Energy Committee, led by Representative Kathleen James (D-Manchester), and the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Senator Anne Watson (D-Washington).
Legislative Priorities
The spotlight is on the repeal of Act 18, the Affordable Heat Act. Over 50 lawmakers support a repeal bill (H.16), but it will need 76 votes to pass. Meanwhile, Vermont’s housing crisis and public education reforms are expected to take center stage. Governor Phil Scott, in his inaugural address, called for a course correction, emphasizing affordability as the top concern of Vermonters. Comparing the past four years of legislative decisions to being “lost in the woods,” Scott urged lawmakers to focus on practical solutions.
Course Correction on Climate Policy
Vermont faces mounting pressure under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), which mandates a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Falling short of these goals could force the state to implement stringent policies, such as the Clean Heat Standard and vehicle emissions regulations. Critics argue the timeline is unrealistic, while advocates push for swift action to meet these ambitious targets. A state Superior Court ruling against Vermont could compel the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to implement the Vermont Climate Action Plan, which includes regulations like the Clean Heat Standard and the Clean Car and Truck Regulations.
What are these Rules?
The Vermont Advanced Clean Car Regulation requires that 35% of new cars delivered to Vermont dealers must be battery-electric or plug-in hybrids by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2035. Auto manufacturers say this will take “a miracle” to achieve. Manufacturers failing to meet these targets face fines or may reduce allocations of combustion-engine vehicles to Vermont, limiting consumer choices and affecting local dealer sales.
What Are These Rules?
The Advanced Clean Car Regulation requires 35% of new vehicle sales in Vermont to be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2026, ramping up to 100% by 2035. Auto manufacturers have expressed skepticism, warning of potential fines and limited inventory. The Advanced Clean Truck Regulation takes aim at zero-emission trucks, including pickups and heavy-duty vehicles. By 2035, manufacturers must hit sales targets of 40–75% across various truck categories. Infrastructure, range limitations, and higher costs have prompted concerns, especially following Daimler Trucks’ decision to halt diesel truck sales in Oregon—a state with similar mandates to Vermont. Daimler, through its Freightliner and Western Star brands, is the leading producer of large trucks in the U.S., accounting for 40% of all new Class 8 trucks sold in 2023.
Have Your Say
State regulators will host a virtual session on the Clean Truck Regulation on Tuesday, January 28, at noon. Whether you sell, buy, or rely on trucks, this is your opportunity to weigh in Register here.
By the Numbers
— Discover what we're driving in the Vermont Vehicle Index
— Get the latest on oil heat and propane sales in the Vermont Heating Fuel Index
— Gasoline and diesel trends are on the Motor Fuels Index.
— Check out the Vermont Fuel Price Report
Media Matters
— The Meadow Hill Report: Catch the latest from Montpelier with Matt Cota every Tuesday on WVMT’s The Morning Drive with Kurt and Anthony. Listen here.
— Ben, Pat and Matt explain Vermont energy policy and what's coming next. Watch here.
— Senator Welch delivers fuel in Woodstock this winter. Watch here.
— Vermont ViewPoint: Matt Cota discusses Vermont’s climate policy and EV mandates. Listen here.
— Volunteers in Waterbury come together to help a neighbor in need. Watch here.
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News of Note
As of January 1, EV owners in Vermont pay a new annual fee. Battery electric vehicles will cost an extra $89 annually, and plug-in hybrids will get charged an additional $44.50. This is expected to raise $1.7 million in 2026. Money from the fees on EVs will be set aside to fund more electric vehicle chargers. None would go to fix Vermont’s roads. At least not until the state creates a Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF), which won’t happen until at least 2026. No new forms accompany the new fee. At this time, the fees are lumped together. When DMV staff enter the Vehicle Identification Number, the system identifies the type of vehicle and the associated fees.
Did you know... Most car horns beep in the key of “F.
That’s all for today’s Meadow Hill View. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!
