In a recent escalation between state governments and the White House, California has joined forces with 16 other states to file a federal lawsuit against President Trump's administration. The coalition alleges that the Trump administration has wrongfully withheld federal funds earmarked for expanding the nation's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed under President Joe Biden, $5 billion was set aside to facilitate the construction of EV charging stations. The Trump administration, however, halted the release of these funds via an executive order on Trump's first day after returning to office. According to a statement by Governor Gavin Newsom, this action "would cost Californians more than $300 million,” eliminate a significant number of jobs, and stifle a critical tech sector.
The lawsuit also claims that the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) withholding of the funds is a direct violation of congressional mandates and the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "The President continues to roll back environmental and climate change protections, this time illegally stripping away billions of dollars for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, all to line the pockets of his Big Oil friends." The pending litigation looks to counter the efforts of an administration that, in its first week back in office, pulled out of the Paris climate agreement once more, reversed environmental justice efforts, and rolled back a 2030 target for EVs to make up half of new car sales, as reported by AP News.
Despite the federal blockage, EV sales represented about 8% of new car sales in the U.S. last year, showcasing the market's growing interest. The funds in question were designated to alleviate concerns about charging infrastructure availability, especially in rural areas and for those without access to charging at home or work. California's own EV infrastructure deployment plan, approved by the federal government, was set to receive $384 million from the disputed NEVI program, a component of the broader infrastructure initiative, Newsom told his administration’s press office.
The lawsuit also brings to light that California is at the forefront when it comes to ZEV support, with the state hosting more than 30% of the new ZEVs sold in the U.S. Apart from passenger EVs, the state has made strides in reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, funding zero-emission trucks and buses, and supporting public transportation projects aimed toward cleaner mobility. California's aggressive push for a green transportation infrastructure, according to Newsom, contrasts sharply with Trump's policies, which the Governor deems as "another Trump gift to China."
