States Challenge Trump Administration Over Withheld EV Charger Funds

Seventeen states have sued the Trump administration for withholding funds meant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This lawsuit, led by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, and Washington, challenges the Federal Highway Administration's authority to halt the spending, arguing Congress holds that authority. The funds were crucial to advancing EV infrastructure.

Seventeen states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing billions allocated to electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding. The move comes as part of a broader Republican agenda to reverse policies from the Democratic Obama administration.

The lawsuit, spearheaded by California, Colorado, and Washington attorneys general, questions the Federal Highway Administration's authority to stop the funds, contending it surpasses legislative power vested in Congress, which had approved the funds in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"These funds were going to be used to shape the future of transportation," California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, labeling the halt as "short-sighted." With Electric Vehicles accounting for around 8% of U.S. new car sales last year, the halted funding complicates further expansion of the EV charging network.

(With inputs from agencies.)