New federal guidance opens $5B EV charger program to states

On the Dash:

• The Trump administration issued a new guidance to help states access $5 billion in federal funds for EV charging infrastructure after a court blocked an earlier suspension of the program. 
• The updated rules remove previous requirements for prioritizing disadvantaged communities and union labor in charger installation. 
• Despite opposing green energy subsidies, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged to honor Congress’s intent and ensure efficient use of the program’s funds. 

The Trump administration has released new guidance to help states access $5 billion in federal funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which follows a federal court’s blocking of an earlier attempt to suspend the program. 

Announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the updated guidance aims to simplify the application process and reduce regulatory barriers as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program moves toward its scheduled end in 2026. Notably, the new policy removes prior requirements to ensure EV charging serves disadvantaged communities and to prioritize union labor for installations. 

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The NEVI program was crafted under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law signed by former President Joe Biden. However, in February, the Federal Highway Administration suspended the initiative as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to halt federal support for expanding EV adoption. 

In June, a federal court ruled that the suspension exceeded the Transportation Department’s authority and contradicted congressional intent, effectively reinstating the program. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated Monday that although he personally opposes subsidizing green energy, the department will comply with Congress’s directive and ensure the program uses federal resources efficiently.