
In a recent escalation of federal vs. state tensions over energy and infrastructure policy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, a figure from the Trump era, has sounded off against a coalition of states and the District of Columbia. They're attempting to challenge updates to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which was initially intended to bolster EV charging networks across the nation.
In a statement that pulls no punches, Duffy decried what he sees as significant missteps by the previous administration. “The Biden-Buttigieg Administration failed miserably to deliver EV chargers despite their promises," Duffy said, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's statement. He stressed that his actions, based on Congressional authority, aimed to streamline and make more efficient use of the program funds.
At the heart of the controversy is a review initiated by Secretary Duffy and the Federal Highway Administration back in February. The review seeks to untangle what has been labeled as the "convoluted structure" of the NEVI program, which some argue has hindered its effective implementation.
Secretary Duffy did not mince words when pointing out what he perceives as hypocrisy on the part of some challengers, in particular California. “It’s rich that California has joined this lawsuit, given that California has spent billions of taxpayer dollars on a boondoggle rail project that has yet to lay a single piece of track,” remarked Duffy, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.