Blue states sue Trump administration over EV charging station funds
A coalition of blue states has banded together to take legal action against the Trump administration for its decision to halt funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The group, which includes California, Colorado, and Washington, among others, is challenging the Federal Highway Administration’s move to suspend the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.
President Donald Trump’s directive on Jan. 20 put a pause on the disbursement of funds allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including those earmarked for the NEVI program. The Federal Highway Administration subsequently informed states in February that it was rescinding previous approvals and withholding or withdrawing NEVI program funds.
The lawsuit filed by the coalition alleges that the FHWA’s actions are unlawful and detrimental to the states’ efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure. The states argue that the funding is crucial for making electric vehicles more accessible to consumers, combating climate change and pollution, and supporting green economies. The lawsuit seeks to overturn Trump’s directives, reverse the FHWA’s actions, and prevent the administration from withholding the funds in the future.
California and Washington stand to lose $300 million and $71 million in funding, respectively, as a result of the suspension. These states have already implemented zero-emission vehicle standards, with Washington mandating that all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles be zero emissions by 2035. California’s State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan estimates the need for hundreds of thousands of additional EV charging ports to support passenger cars and trucks, as well as additional ports for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s decision, calling it “illegal” and accusing the administration of hindering American innovation and job creation. Newsom criticized the president for prioritizing China’s interests over those of the United States and urged him to release the bipartisan funding for EV infrastructure.
The lawsuit comes amid a backdrop of political and social unrest targeting Tesla, its CEO Elon Musk, and the company’s electric vehicles and charging stations. Acts of vandalism against Tesla properties have been linked to protests against Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The FBI has been investigating these incidents as potential acts of domestic terrorism.
In response to the lawsuit, a coalition of Democratic-led states, along with their attorneys general, are seeking to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions. The lawsuit represents a united front in defense of electric vehicle infrastructure and the fight against climate change.
The article was written by Alexandra Koch, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, who has a background in covering breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
