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S 101

An act relating to revoking Vermont’s use of California’s Clean Air Act waiver

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Beck and 11 co-sponsors

The bill revokes Vermont’s California Clean Air Act waiver, shifting emission standards to Vermont or federal rules rather than California’s framework.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
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Bill Summary · S 101

Bill Summary: S 101 (2025-2026) – An act relating to revoking Vermont’s use of California’s Clean Air Act waiver

Purpose and intent

  • The bill proposes to revoke Vermont’s use of a Clean Air Act waiver that currently allows the state to align its air quality programs with California’s more stringent standards.
  • The core aim is to restore or reinforce Vermont’s alignment with federal Clean Air Act requirements without reliance on California’s waiver framework.
  • By revoking the waiver, the state would revert to, or adopt, alternative measures and regulatory authority under Vermont law and the federal framework established for air quality rules.

Key provisions and changes (conceptual)

  • Termination or withdrawal of Vermont’s existing waiver under California’s authority for vehicle emission standards and related air quality regulations.
  • Reassessment or redesign of Vermont’s motor vehicle emission standards, fuel requirements, and related air quality programs to operate under Vermont-specific rules or under federal authority, rather than California’s standards.
  • Potential reversion to or maintenance of Vermont’s existing state air quality programs, with adjustments to ensure compliance with federal Clean Air Act requirements.
  • Possible steps to notify stakeholders, amend related regulations, and coordinate with state agencies (e.g., Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation) to implement the withdrawal and transition.
  • The bill may include a timeline or procedural steps for phasing out reliance on the California waiver, including rulemaking, public notice, and compliance considerations.

Who would be affected

  • Vermont state agencies responsible for air quality regulation, including rulemaking and enforcement.
  • Vehicle manufacturers and dealers operating in Vermont, as emission standards and testing protocols may shift away from California’s standards toward Vermont or federal specifications.
  • Regulated entities in sectors affected by air quality requirements (e.g., transportation, energy, industry) that must adapt to any changes in emissions standards, testing, or compliance timelines.
  • Vermont residents and stakeholders who participate in or are subject to air quality rules, reporting requirements, or public comment processes related to environmental regulation.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill was read in the 1st time and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on February 28, 2025, indicating initial legislative consideration and potential subsequent committee hearings, amendments, and floor action.
  • As a bill proposing to revoke a waiver, it would likely require:
    • Detailed regulatory impact analysis (economic and environmental),
    • Public notice and opportunities for comment on proposed regulatory changes,
    • Coordination with federal authorities if any federal-state adjustments are necessary,
    • A defined effective date or phased implementation plan for transitioning away from the California waiver.

Potential implications

  • Environmental and public health: Depending on the direction taken, the shift could impact emissions controls, air quality outcomes, and compliance costs for regulated entities and consumers.
  • Regulatory sovereignty: The bill signals a move toward Vermont-centric regulatory authority for emission standards, reducing reliance on California’s framework.
  • Economic impact: Changes in vehicle standards and testing requirements could affect manufacturers, dealerships, and compliance costs, with potential downstream effects on fuel choices and vehicle availability.

Notes

  • The available information is limited to the bill’s title, purpose (revoking the California waiver), sponsor roster (multiple co-sponsors), and the initial action history (read 1st time and referred to Natural Resources and Energy). For a full understanding, the text of the bill, accompanying fiscal notes, and any amendments or committee reports would provide concrete provisions, dates, and quantified impacts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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