In a legal maneuver, seventeen states have taken action against the Trump administration for its decision to withhold billions of dollars allocated for the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. A federal lawsuit, spearheaded by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, and Washington, challenges the administrationโs directive to halt funding designated for EV chargers. This funding was initially approved under the Biden administration as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021.
The controversial decision by the Trump administration instructed states this past February to halt their spending on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This move is part of a larger attempt to repeal environmental advancements pursued by Bidenโs Democrat leadership. Within the scope of the initiative, a total of $5 billion over five years was earmarked to support infrastructure development across various states. So far, $3.3 billion has already been made available.
Critics argue that the Federal Highway Administration, under Trumpโs guidance, lacks the authority to stop this funding. They contend that such authority lies with Congress, which initially sanctioned the funds. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the action as โshort-sighted,โ emphasizing that these funds are crucial for the future of transportation. He stressed that the participating states would not passively tolerate the Trump administrationโs policies, which he views as unlawful.
Despite inquiries, the U.S. Department of Transportation has yet to comment on the lawsuit. The growth of the electric vehicle market, which represented approximately 8% of new car sales in the U.S. last year, underscores the importance of adequate infrastructure. However, the progress has been hampered by obstacles such as contracting challenges, permitting delays, and intricate electrical upgrades.
Numerous states had already invested in projects under the EV charging program, with some receiving reimbursement from federal funds allocated during the Biden era. Others were in the process of contracting their sites, while some halted plans following the Trump administrationโs order. In New York, officials pointed out that $120 million of the $175 million previously awarded is withheld.
Even Tesla, the electric car giant associated with Elon Muskโwho has backed Trumpโs austerity measuresโbenefited from funding to extend its U.S. charger network. Amid these developments, experts predict that the expansion of EV charging networks will persist, driven by automakersโ electrification goals.
The availability of charging infrastructure remains a concern for potential EV buyers, particularly those in multifamily housing, rural areas, and regions dubbed โcharging deserts.โ These gaps hinder the wider adoption of electric vehicles as consumers seek accessible charging options both near their homes and workplaces.
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused the Trump administration of violating the law and jeopardizing American jobs, risking a competition with China. He criticized Trumpโs showcase of Tesla, stating that complying with the legal release of bipartisan funds would better support Tesla and the nation.
This legal battle over EV charger funding aligns with Trumpโs broader effort to dismantle environmental policies implemented by Biden. Shortly after reclaiming office, Trump retracted the U.S. commitment to the Paris climate agreement, modified goals for electric vehicle sales by 2030, and eliminated environmental justice initiatives. Concurrently, the administration has favored the expansion of the fossil fuel industry, rolling back regulations to support such growth.
Moreover, legislative actions in the U.S. House, which recently advanced proposals, aim to block Californiaโs vehicle-emission policies, including the planned ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035. It is noted that the Senate parliamentarian has clarified that Californiaโs policies fall outside the current review mechanisms employed by the House.