Northeast

Vermont

As one of the smallest states by population and area, Vermont has the lowest emissions of any state. However, net emissions have increased 417% from 1990-2022 due both to a 20% reduction in emissions absorbed by the land and an overall 8% gross increase in emissions across sectors, turning the state from a net emissions sink to a net emitter. Still, Vermont has the largest share of in-state renewable electricity generation in the country — between 99 and 100% every year since 2015, mostly from hydroelectric and biomass energy.

GHG Reduction Targets

All targets relative to 1990 levels

2025

26%

2030

40%

2050

80%

Governor

Phil Scott (Republican)

House Party

Democratic Majority

Senate Party

Democratic Majority

Legislative session

1/6/26 - 5/8/26

Electricity market structure

Regulated

U.S. EPA

Largest source of GHG emissions

Transportation

Local control status

Home rule

Key Offices & Links

35

Policies Enacted or In Progress

across 7 policy areas

See all

34

Policy Opportunities

across 7 policy areas

See all

Northeast

9 states

This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.

Compare with other states

Progress by Policy Area

Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.

Glossary of Terms

The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.

Status	Policy	Policy Area	Policy Category	Year Enacted
Not Enacted	Buy Clean Requirements Empty column Buy clean requirements mandate or incentivize the use of low-carbon construction materials, such as concrete and steel, in public projects to address embodied carbon.	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	Industrial Decarbonization
Enacted	Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Regulations Empty column This act establishes a schedule for when certain products must be manufactured without HFCs. Establishing Policies S.30 (2019) H.523 (2022)	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	F-gas Regulations	2022
Not Enacted	Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Regulations Empty column Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) regulations include phasedown commitments, reporting requirements, bans, or other measures that reduce SF6 usage and emissions.	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	F-gas Regulations
Not Enacted	Oil and Gas Methane Regulations Empty column Oil and gas methane regulations include phasedown commitments, reporting requirements, leak detection and repair, or other measures that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	Oil and Gas Regulations
Enacted	Fracking Bans Empty column Hydraulic fracking for the exploration and production of natural gas is banned. Establishing Policies 29 V.S.A. § 571 (2012)	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	Oil and Gas Regulations	2012
Not Enacted	Landfill Methane Regulations Empty column Landfill methane regulations include rulemakings, emissions monitoring, emissions control, or other measures that reduce methane emissions from decaying organic waste in landfills.	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	Waste Management
Enacted	Food Waste Bans and Targets Empty column Food waste ban – The state has banned the disposal of food scraps and yard waste at landfills, established separate trash collection processes for organic waste, and requires all food scraps to be diverted to certified recycling facilities, including from both residential and commercial sources. Establishing Policies Act 148 (2012)	Industry, Materials, and Waste Management	Waste Management	2012

Vermont

Key Offices & Links

35

34

Northeast

Progress by Policy Area

Climate Governance and Equity

Cross-Sector

Electricity

Buildings and Efficiency

Transportation

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management

Natural and Working Lands

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Vermont

Climate Policies in Vermont