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17 States Sue Trump Administration Over $1 Billion in Withheld EV Charging Funds Under NEVI Program

34 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 9, 2025, 09:28 PM

A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, challenging the withholding of over $1 billion in federal grants designated for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The funds, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, were suspended following an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at pausing EV grants. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, argues that the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) decision to block the funds violates federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act. The states assert that the FHWA's actions contravene congressional authority, as the funds were explicitly approved by Congress for the development of EV charging stations. The lawsuit names Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, and Gloria Shepherd, the FHWA acting administrator, as defendants. The states involved in the lawsuit include Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. They are seeking to restore the funding, which they argue is crucial for advancing EV infrastructure and supporting economic development. California intended to use NEVI funds for 63,000 fast-charging stations, while Washington's Department of Transportation has received 40 proposals for up to $25 million in projects but cannot proceed due to the lack of funds. As of February 6, total expenditures for all states and territories amounted to $44.42 million out of $3.27 billion authorized. In addition to the EV charging funds, 15 states, led by Washington, have also filed a separate lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order declaring a 'national energy emergency.' This order, titled 'Unleashing American Energy,' aims to expedite energy projects by bypassing environmental reviews under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Historic National Preservation Act, which the states claim is an unlawful move to favor fossil fuel interests at the expense of environmental protections.

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Sources

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Car Dealership Guy

@GuyDealership

[NEWS] 16 states and D.C. are taking the Trump administration to court: All over a (surprise?) freeze on the $5B NEVI program back in February. The program was already building EV chargers in states like Ohio, Texas, and New York. But now, it’s stuck in limbo— With states

John Solomon

@jsolomonReports

16 states, DC sue Trump over 2021 EV charger funds, most haven’t built chargers https://t.co/OTzu6uHGTA

WGN Morning News

@WGNMorningNews

The lawsuit says the administration is bypassing environmental protection laws and threatening endangered species, critical habitat and cultural resources. Full story: https://t.co/fK2tY89g7q https://t.co/n3DDNiGdb7