Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Stephanie Brackin, stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov, 802-261-0606
Jane Lazorchak, jane.lazorchak@vermont.gov, 802-505-0561
Montpelier, VT (November 4, 2022) – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has reached the next step in filing a suite of new rules and amendments to existing rules related to low emission and electric vehicles. These rules support meeting Vermont’s emission reduction requirements, as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).
These proposed amendments set standards for auto manufacturers that will reduce greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, along with engines that are delivered for sale or placed in service in Vermont. The final proposal will also require auto manufacturers to deliver lower emitting and more electric vehicles to Vermont.
Vermont’s Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) will review these rules at a meeting in November. Pending LCAR’s consideration of the rules, ANR plans to adopt them by December 1 and therefore be in compliance with the timelines set forth in the GWSA .
“Vermonters are facing the impacts of climate change now, and emissions from vehicles make up most of the harmful greenhouse gas and other air pollutant emissions in Vermont. These rules are the most impactful recommendation for reducing climate pollution from the transportation sector put forward in Vermont’s Initial Climate Action Plan”, said ANR Secretary, Julie Moore. “Furthermore, they send a clear market signal to auto manufacturers that supports the transition to cleaner electric vehicles.”
Even though these requirements are being imposed on auto manufacturers, there will be indirect impacts on Vermonters. ANR held events across the state this fall to discuss the benefits and impacts of the rules, provided the public with information about existing programs and resources that support the transition to electric vehicles, and listened to Vermonters about what more is needed so that everyone can benefit from this transition.
The feedback that ANR heard at all these events was incorporated into the rulemaking package. Comments and all the supporting documentation are available online. The feedback will be used to guide state government in implementing these rules in the coming years to meet the needs of Vermonters.
Adopting these rules will be a significant step towards cutting Vermont’s climate pollution roughly in half by 2030 as required by the GWSA. While the timeline set in place by the GWSA is aggressive, the rules will not go into effect until 2026. ANR will continue to reach out to Vermonters to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this transition.
Learn more about Climate Change in Vermont and the Vermont Climate Action Plan.
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