On the Dash:
- A federal judge ruled the Trump administration illegally suspended EV charging funds approved by Congress.
- States can resume EV charger projects under the $5 billion NEVI program.
- Congressional action could still redirect some EV infrastructure funding.
A federal judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration unlawfully suspended funding for a major federal electric vehicle charging program, restoring billions of dollars intended for nationwide infrastructure expansion.
U.S. District Judge Tana Lin ruled in favor of 20 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, finding that the U.S. Department of Transportation improperly paused funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. The program was created by Congress in 2021 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The ruling permanently blocks the Transportation Department and the Federal Highway Administration from canceling previously approved state plans or withholding funds that have already been awarded. States may now resume work on EV charging projects backed by the federal program.
The dispute began in February, shortly after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took office, when the department suspended the $5 billion NEVI program. The administration characterized the move as a temporary pause while it reviewed the program. Judge Lin rejected that argument, ruling that the 2021 law does not allow even a temporary suspension of funding.
States led by California, Colorado and Washington sued in May, arguing the administration was unlawfully withholding billions of dollars designated for EV charger construction. The judge ruled that federal agencies failed to follow established administrative law requirements when halting the program.
Environmental groups praised the decision, saying it allows states to move forward with long-planned infrastructure investments. The Transportation Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The ruling comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to scale back federal EV incentives while promoting gas-powered vehicle sales. Those efforts have included reducing consumer incentives and reassessing federal support for EV infrastructure.
Despite the court decision, the future of EV charging funding remains uncertain. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider legislation next week that would redirect $879 million previously approved for EV charging toward other infrastructure priorities. The bill has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
