California, joined by 16 other Democratic-led states, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting billions of dollars in federal funding to expand America’s EV fast-charger infrastructure.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, challenges the Trump administration’s decision in February to freeze $5 billion in funding and suspend all state plans for EV infrastructure deployment under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The coalition argues that the move deprives states of Congressionally approved funds and undermines efforts to fight climate change and reduce transportation-related emissions.
Congress had previously approved the funds in question as part of the Biden administration’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan law passed under the Biden administration to address key national infrastructure needs, including building EV chargers along main highway corridors. The NEVI program was designed to reduce anxiety among American drivers, accelerate EV adoption and bolster clean energy initiatives. However, under President Trump’s leadership, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a directive suspending the program, pausing all state-level plans.
California is leading the lawsuit along with Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
“When America retreats, China wins. President Trump’s illegal action withholding funds for electric vehicle infrastructure is yet another Trump gift to China – ceding American innovation and killing thousands of jobs,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta also reaffirmed the state’s leadership in EV adoption and infrastructure development, saying, “The facts don’t lie: The demand for clean transportation continues to rise, and California will be at the forefront of this transition to a more sustainable, low-emissions future.”
The legal challenge follows shortly after another lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, targeting the Trump administration’s decision to halt wind-energy development. The lawsuit alleges that the decision would dampen clean energy initiatives.
