Seventeen states, led by California, have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump after his administration suspended a $5 billion federal program designed to build electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The legal action, joined by the District of Columbia, argues that halting the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) threatens their climate goals and economic growth.
This article details the states’ challenge, what’s at stake for electric vehicle expansion, and how the new federal policy shifts are impacting the clean transportation transition.
Why States Are Suing: Loss of EV Charging Funds Hits Expansion Plans
The suit, filed May 7 in Seattle, centers on the Trump administration’s decision in February to halt approval and distribution of NEVI funds. The program, launched to expand EV charging infrastructure—especially along interstate corridors—was set to accelerate adoption of zero-emission vehicles by making charging more accessible to drivers across the U.S.
State officials say the sudden funding freeze puts their plans in jeopardy. The lawsuit claims the action “will devastate the ability of states to build the charging infrastructure necessary for making EVs accessible to more consumers, combating climate change, reducing other harmful pollution, and supporting the states’ green economies.”
Trump Administration Reverses EV and Clean Energy Initiatives
Since taking office in January, President Trump has worked to undo much of the previous administration’s climate policy. He rescinded a 2021 executive order that set a national target for electric vehicles to make up half of all new car sales by 2030. Trump has also called for ending state-level zero-emission vehicle mandates and canceling federal support for California’s high-speed rail project.
In energy policy, Trump has consistently advocated for reviving coal power and boosting domestic oil and gas production—moving federal priorities away from electric vehicles and renewables.
Industry and Environmental Concerns Grow
The decision to halt NEVI funding was met with swift opposition from automakers and charging network companies. Industry groups petitioned the Department of Transportation in February to restore the funds, warning that further delays would slow EV adoption and leave states unprepared to meet consumer demand.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s office has yet to comment on the pending litigation or indicate if the administration plans to reverse course.
What Happens Next?
The case—now before a federal court—could determine the fate of federally supported EV infrastructure for years to come. If the states prevail, it may force the federal government to resume funding, giving a much-needed boost to electric vehicle rollouts nationwide. If the Trump administration’s suspension stands, states may need to seek alternative funding or slow their plans to expand charging networks.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will shape how quickly—and how broadly—the U.S. transitions to a cleaner transportation future.
