Seventeen States Sue Federal Government Over EV Charging Fund Freeze

Seventeen states, led by attorneys general from New York, New Jersey, California, and others, have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation for unlawfully freezing billions of dollars in federal funding allocated to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 and funded with $5 billion, aimed to expand EV charging networks nationwide to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and reduce environmental and health impacts. The freeze followed an executive order by President Trump, directing federal agencies to halt funds, despite Congress's clear mandate and previously approved state plans, jeopardizing projects in multiple states including New York and New Jersey. State officials argue the administration lacks the authority to withhold these funds, describing the freeze as illegal and detrimental to U.S. competitiveness, with some leaders highlighting that the move benefits China by hindering American EV infrastructure progress. The lawsuits emphasize the bipartisan nature of the original legislation and call for the immediate release of the frozen funds to continue building out the EV charging network essential for climate goals and economic growth. State leaders also note the NEVI program's role in promoting open-access charging standards, which facilitate broader EV adoption and help reduce fuel and maintenance costs for consumers.