How would Vermont’s climate policy change under Trump?

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – While Vermont is at the forefront of climate action, it is not immune to change under President-elect Donald Trump.

When it comes to climate action under another Trump presidency, Middlebury College professor Chris Klyza says Vermont’s best hope is to remain stagnant.

“The best case scenario is that we don’t go backwards, but we certainly don’t go forward,” Klyza said.

However, Klyza suspects things will change.

If Trump follows through on his promise to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, Vermonters would lose federal incentives to purchase sustainable technology, such as the $7,500 credit for a new electric vehicle.

Klyza worries this would hinder adoption progress in Vermont.

“I think taking advantage of this federal funding will make a significant difference for a lot of people,” he said.

Other experts worry about the impact on disaster relief.

Elena Mihaly of the Conservation Law Foundation points to Trump’s threats to cut off wildfire aid to California if state officials don’t support him.

She says a similar threat to Vermont — which received more than $68 million in FEMA flood assistance in 2023 and needs even more — would be devastating.

“I could definitely imagine a scenario where if Trump wants something from Vermont, he could use that as leverage,” Mihaly said.

Amid potential setbacks, the pair say it is critical to re-engage regionally to ensure progress on climate action across the Northeast.

“We will fight as hard as we can to prevent backsliding and the erosion of these important federal protections,” Mihaly said.

Eyes are also on state restructuring as bills like the Clean Heat Standard hang in the balance after Democrats lost their legislative supermajority.

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