Across the U.S., states are working to develop policy and regulatory frameworks to accelerate an equitable clean energy transition. Zero-emission heating equipment standards (ZEHES) are an emerging regulatory approach aimed at addressing GHG emissions and air pollution from buildings, requiring the phase-out of sales of new climate-polluting fossil fuel-fired equipment.

In November 2024, EAN published a research brief exploring the history of emissions-based equipment standards in the U.S. and the action currently being taken to advance zero-emission equipment standards in other states. 

In February 2025, EAN staff completed a quantitative analysis of the emissions, energy use, and cost implications of adopting ZEHES regulations in Vermont. A blog post summarizing the findings of the report can be found here.

Study: Assessing zero-emission heating equipment standards for Vermont: Analysis of emissions, energy use, and energy costs (February 2025) 

Policy Brief: Zero-Emission Heating Equipment Standards: An emerging state-level approach to thermal sector decarbonization (November 2024)