The lawsuit, filed in Seattle, contends that the administration is unlawfully freezing billions allocated for electric-vehicle charging stations under the bipartisan infrastructure law. The federal program, which allocated $5 billion, aimed to develop essential infrastructure nationwide.
States Challenge Trump Admin Over Electric-Vehicle Charging Funds
States Challenge Trump Admin Over Electric-Vehicle Charging Funds
A coalition of states, led by Washington, Colorado, and California, is suing the Trump administration concerning the withholding of federal funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
A lawsuit filed in Seattle, supported by California, Washington, and Colorado, contends that the Trump administration unlawfully halted funding meant for electric vehicle charging stations. The bipartisan infrastructure law, enacted in 2021, allocated $5 billion for this exact purpose, emphasizing the critical need for charging stations as electric vehicle sales increase across the country.
According to the lawsuit, only 71 charging stations have been completed thus far, with many more needed to keep up with the growth of electric vehicles. The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration's recent budget proposals and executive orders have unlawfully obstructed access to these funds. Notably, the White House's recent budget plan claimed to cancel funding for perceived "failed" electric vehicle charger programs, igniting tensions regarding fiscal responsibility and sustainable energy transitions.
California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, highlighted that the state, which has seen a surge in electric vehicle sales, relies heavily on $384 million from the federal program for expanding charging infrastructure. The lawsuit's language underscores what is seen as unconstitutional efforts by the administration to reshape federal funding in favor of traditional oil interests.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for states seeking to bolster their electric vehicle infrastructure and further commitments to renewable energy sources amid a complex landscape of federal policy shifts.
According to the lawsuit, only 71 charging stations have been completed thus far, with many more needed to keep up with the growth of electric vehicles. The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration's recent budget proposals and executive orders have unlawfully obstructed access to these funds. Notably, the White House's recent budget plan claimed to cancel funding for perceived "failed" electric vehicle charger programs, igniting tensions regarding fiscal responsibility and sustainable energy transitions.
California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, highlighted that the state, which has seen a surge in electric vehicle sales, relies heavily on $384 million from the federal program for expanding charging infrastructure. The lawsuit's language underscores what is seen as unconstitutional efforts by the administration to reshape federal funding in favor of traditional oil interests.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for states seeking to bolster their electric vehicle infrastructure and further commitments to renewable energy sources amid a complex landscape of federal policy shifts.
