States Sue for Federal Funds to Expand EV Charging Stations
TL/DR –
16 US states and the District of Columbia have sued the federal government for allegedly unlawfully withholding billions of dollars planned for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, accusing the Trump administration of attacking a popular consumer choice. They claim the administration is violating numerous laws, including the Administrative Procedures Act, and are calling for resumed approvals and restoration of funding. They argue the Department of Transportation illegally suspended funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, leaving $5bn from Congress in limbo and stalling plans for EV infrastructure.
Electric Vehicle Funding Lawsuit Against President Trump’s Administration
On May 7, 2025, 16 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit alleging the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding billions of dollars for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The complaint, filed in a federal court in Seattle, accuses the government of breaching the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The plaintiffs argue that the administration’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act, the Take Care Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and common law. They request the court to block the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from withholding funds without following the law and to resume funding.
Suspension of State EV Infrastructure Development
On February 6, 2025, the DOT delivered a letter to state DOT Directors stating that NEIV charging system funding was suspended pending a review of the program.
IIJA Funds for EV Infrastructure Deployment Frozen
Congress had allocated $5 billion under the IIJA to deploy EV charging infrastructure. The DOT’s action has effectively frozen these funds until the review is completed.
Policy to Eliminate the “Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate”
President Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Energy”, proclaims a policy to eliminate the “EV mandate”, immediately pausing the disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress for EV charging stations.
Trump Administration Challenges Paris Agreement and Biden’s 2035 Climate Target
The Trump administration aims to address the Biden administration’s climate target for 2035, outlined in a Fact Sheet issued on December 19, 2024. This target aims to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66 percent in 2035 from 2005 levels.
The U.S. Continues to Flip-Flop on the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, a legally binding global climate change treaty, has seen the U.S. join and withdraw multiple times. Currently, under President Trump, the U.S. has once again withdrawn from the agreement.
Predictability of Outcomes
The outcomes of these actions and their impacts on the political landscape, businesses, and the general public remain uncertain.
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