Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vehicle Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee discusses Clean Cars rules, 2026 manufacturer targets and concerns about heavy equipment
Summary
Members asked when Clean Cars 2 manufacturer requirements take effect and raised concerns about how mandates could affect specialty vehicles such as boom trucks and small commercial fleets.
Committee members asked staff and presenters how Vermont would implement California’s Clean Cars 2 program and when manufacturer requirements begin. A presenter explained that the manufacturer compliance requirement for new model-year vehicles starts with 2026 model-year vehicles and places percentage-supply obligations on manufacturers rather than on consumers.
Lawmakers and commentators expressed concern that the rules could disrupt supply for specialty vehicles. One committee member said dealers and manufacturers have raised issues specific to “boom trucks” and other industrial vehicles that are not standard consumer passenger models; the member urged a “surgical” approach to avoid unintended impacts on businesses that rely on specialty trucks.
The committee took a straw poll on a proposed amendment related to the matter. The chair called for hands and reported the results as “2 to 3 in favor” of yes; committee members said they would report that outcome if the amendment arises later in process. No formal roll-call vote or binding action was recorded.
Ending note: Staff explained Clean Cars 2 is structured as a transition from earlier Clean Cars requirements; states may adopt California’s rule and then enforce it under state discretion.
