Trump administration sued by 17 states over frozen funds for electric vehicle charging network
Seventeen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting billions in federal funding intended to expand the national electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Sophie Austin and Alexa St. John report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The Trump administration ordered a stop to electric vehicle charger funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, blocking an estimated $3.3 billion already distributed.
- Attorneys general from California, Colorado, and Washington argue that only Congress has the authority to revoke this funding, calling the move unlawful.
- Some states, like New York, report that hundreds of millions are now withheld, while projects face continued delays due to contracting and permitting hurdles.
Key quote:
“These funds were going to be used to shape the future of transportation.”
— Rob Bonta, California's attorney general
Why this matters:
Electric vehicle infrastructure is a cornerstone of reducing transportation-related emissions, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Without reliable public charging access, especially in rural areas or for those without private garages, EV adoption slows. Fossil fuel combustion in cars and trucks contributes to smog, respiratory illness, and climate change. Rolling back funding undercuts not only U.S. efforts to curb emissions, but also threatens jobs tied to clean energy expansion and cedes technological leadership to countries like China.
Related: Republican efforts could slow the shift to electric vehicles
