As Trump cuts carbon rules, Vermont vows to maintain climate priorities

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) — Efforts to go green just got more complicated. The Trump administration this week repealed the so-called endangerment finding, an Obama-era court decision underpinning federal regulations of cars, power plants and other sources of pollution.

The endangerment finding was a legal precedent that carbon pollution is harmful to humans.

President Donald Trump says the repeal will cut red tape, making life more affordable.

“This actually will eliminate over $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs and help bring car prices tumbling down dramatically,” the president said.

In the near term, the change will have little to no effect on what cars Vermonters can purchase, as the state’s EV mandates and tax credits have been rolled back and are affecting EV uptake.

“Consumers still want to find fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Matt Cota, who represents auto dealers in Montpelier through Meadow Hill Consulting.

Cota says Vermonters are seeking more and more hybrids and likely EVs in the future as their technology improves and batteries become more reliable.

“When consumers have a choice on price point and power train, that will guide the market,” Cota said.

At the Statehouse, where numerous climate change bills have been pursued, lawmakers expressed disappointment with the federal rollback.

“Not surprising, disappointment is an understatement,” said Rep. Kathleen James, D-Manchester.

Under Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act, Vermont is legally required to reduce carbon emissions. Top lawmakers say the rule change is not changing their priorities, which involve incremental progress.

“Vermonter by Vermonter, household by household to help people save money on their energy bills by transitioning to more affordable ways to heat their houses and get around,” James said.

Vermont Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore says the rollback could lead to the reboot of coal power plants in the Midwest, having a knock-on effect on public health effects like asthma.

“The sliding back in that space, too, in addition to the climate considerations, which are significant, are important too and not to be overlooked,” Moore said.

The rollback of the endangerment finding will be challenged in court.

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