Seventeen States Challenge Trump’s Block on EV Charging Funds
Seventeen states have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for withholding billions of dollars allocated for building electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The lawsuit, led by attorneys general from California, Colorado, and Washington, challenges the Federal Highway Administration’s authority to halt the funding.
The EV charger program, established under President Joe Biden, was set to allocate $5 billion over five years to various states. An estimated $3.3 billion had already been made available before the Trump administration directed states to stop spending the money in February. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision “short-sighted” and pledged that the states wouldn’t “sit back while the Trump administration violates the law.”
The program aimed to address concerns about charging infrastructure availability, particularly in rural areas and multifamily dwellings. Despite the legal challenge, experts expect the nation’s EV charging infrastructure development to continue as automakers pursue their electrification goals. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s decision, stating it would cost thousands of U.S. jobs and benefit China instead.
The Trump administration’s move is part of a broader effort to roll back environmental policies implemented during the Biden administration. This includes withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and reversing electric vehicle targets. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate over environmental policies and infrastructure development in the United States.
