Kevin Winter, state representative for Vermont’s Rutland-Windsor District, expressed his support for free and fair trade over government mandates concerning electric vehicles.
“I am for free & fair trade – not mandates,” said Winter.
According to the Atlas EV Hub, Vermont adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation on December 16, 2022. This regulation aligns with California’s vehicle emission standards and mandates a gradual increase in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, targeting 100% ZEV sales by 2035. The adoption is part of Vermont’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
As reported by Vermont Biz, implementing ACC II in Vermont may place undue pressure on consumers and businesses. The regulation could potentially increase electric vehicle costs and limit market choices. Despite intentions to reduce emissions, challenges may arise for lower-income residents and rural communities due to upfront costs of electric vehicles and limited access to charging infrastructure.
According to the Citizen Portal, Vermont’s incentives like the “Replace Your Ride” initiative and rebates for used EVs have made these vehicles more affordable for low-income residents. However, the ACC II mandate might still pose challenges by imposing a rigid requirement for ZEV adoption across all income levels. While aiming to reduce transportation costs, transitioning to zero-emission vehicles may not be financially feasible for all residents.
Winter represents Ludlow, Mount Holly, and Shrewsbury in the Vermont House of Representatives as of 2025. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he earned a BS in Engineering from Alfred University and has had a 45-year career in corporate manufacturing and sales management with companies like GE and UTC.
