Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Vermont

This page contains selected data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the U. S. Department of Energy. Additional details and the latest updates may be found at the AFDC summary page for Vermont.

Vehicle Acquisition

All vehicles (emissions standards mandate)

New vehicles sold or offered for sale in Vermont must meet California emissions and compliance requirements in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. Requirements apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 14,000 pounds. Manufacturers must comply with Zero Emission Vehicle sales requirements and greenhouse gas emissions requirements. (Reference Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations (PDF) 5-1101 through 5-1109)

State agency vehicles

The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services must consider AFVs when purchasing vehicles for state use, provided that the alternative fuel is suitable for the vehicle's operation, is available in the region where the vehicle will be used, and is competitively priced with conventional fuels. (Reference Vermont Statutes Title 29, Chapter 49, Section 903)

General

Plan

The Vermont Agency of Administration developed and oversees the implementation of the State Agency Energy Plan (Plan). The Agency of Administration must modify the Plan as necessary and re-adopt it on or before January 15 of each fifth year. As specified in the 2010 Plan (PDF), the Vermont Agency of Transportation must continue to use 5% biodiesel (B5) in its fleet of heavy-duty vehicles. The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services must continue to use hybrid electric vehicles and Partial Zero Emission Vehicles in its fleet, while adjusting purchases based on annual fleet selection monitoring and available vehicle technology. All state agencies must investigate the use of additional alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, as well as the necessary fueling infrastructure, such as incorporating electric vehicle supply equipment at appropriate state facilities.The Plan specifies the responsibilities of the Climate Neutral Working Group (CNWG). All state government agencies, offices, and departments must purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in each vehicle class according to specifications set by the CNWG. The CNWG must consider vehicles that meet high fuel economy standards and emit reduced levels of greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, and hazardous air contaminants. Additionally, the CNWG must expand education and tracking related to anti-idling campaigns for state fleet vehicles and private sector vehicles operating on state owned property, and conduct a survey to determine the level of government employee participating in carpooling, vanpooling, and other commuting options. Progress towards these goals is outlined in the CNWG Biennial Reports.(Reference Vermont Statutes Title 3, Chapter 45, Section 2291, and Executive Order 14-03, 2003)

Tax (natural gas used as vehicle fuel)

As of July 1, 2013, natural gas used to propel a motor vehicle is not subject to the state gasoline tax, but is subject to sales and use tax. (Reference House Bill 770, 2012, and Vermont Statutes Title 32, Chapter 233, Section 9741, and Title 23, Chapter 28, Section 3101)