In a move toward sustainable transportation, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of states to take legal action against the Trump Administration's abrupt suspension of electric vehicle (EV) funding. According to the Michigan Department of Attorney General, the administration halted the disbursement of funds previously earmarked for EV infrastructure development. This funding was guaranteed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $5 billion over five years to support the expansion of accessible charging stations nationwide.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI), a key provision of the act, had apportioned $87 million to Michigan for infrastructure projects planned between 2022 and 2025. However, President Trump's mandate on January 20 directed federal agencies to freeze all ongoing and future fund disbursements under this act, significantly impacting states' plans to enhance their EV networks. Michigan, now amongst other states, faces a suspension of approximately $29 million in NEVI funding that was approved by Congress but is currently out of reach for obligation.
"The Trump Administration's decision to unilaterally cut off these funds is not only unlawful – it jeopardizes Michigan’s EV infrastructure, while threatening our economic growth and environmental progress," Nessel stated, expressing the urgency of the situation, per the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The coalition, which includes the attorneys general from 19 states and governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, insists the administration's action undermines congressional authority and the states' ability to meet infrastructure and environmental goals.
