The Trump administration’s denial of federal government support for electric vehicles is being challenged in court by the attorneys general from 17 states. In the lawsuit led by California, the states contend the administration is withholding funding allocated to build vehicle charging infrastructure.
The rollout of a nationwide public charging network has slowed under Trump.
In the suit filed in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington, the group contends the administration, specifically the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, illegally suspended two bipartisan grant programs for EV charging infrastructure that would reduce pollution, expand access to clean vehicles, and create thousands of green jobs.
They contend that cutting off the funds, which were approved by the U.S. Congress, violates the separation of powers as well as the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires federal agencies create and enforce rules fairly and transparently, requiring public notice, comment periods for new regulations and clear processes for handling disputes.
“The Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to stop funding for electric vehicle infrastructure must come to an end,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Big money cut
Despite once pitching Teslas on the White House lawn, Trump has taken numerous steps aimed at reducing demand for all-electric vehicles.
“This is just another reckless attempt that will stall the fight against air pollution and climate change, slow innovation, thwart green job creation, and leave communities without access to clean, affordable transportation,” Bonta said. “While the Administration is busy finding ways for their Big Oil donors to profit, California will continue to fight for its people, environment, and innovation.”
Bonta and the other plaintiff claim the U.S. DOT refused to approve any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created by Congress as part of a $1 trillion infrastructure law in 2022.
One of the programs directs $2.5 billion in funding to states and cities for EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The suit is being led by California, Washington and Colorado, with Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the State of Pennsylvania joining the suit.
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Stalling progress
EV sales fell by more than half in October, causing the overall market to decline on a year-over-year basis.
Since taking office in January, Trump has taken numerous steps to cripple the emerging U.S. EV market. In February, he ordersabout 8,000 charger ports currently operating at federal government buildings shut down. He also has ordered the General Services Administration to get rid of the EVs it purchased during the Biden administration.
Additionally, he marshalled the forces that voted to end the $7,500 federal EV tax credit Sept. 30. Since then, EV sales have dropped significantly, forcing automakers to rethink how they can make the vehicles more appealing to customers on a budget.
The president has had a long history of opposing green technology, among other things declaring that wind turbines can cause cancer. He has falsely claimed EVs “are all made in China,” as well.
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