Electric vehicles charging at a modern EV charging station in California.
California, along with 15 other states, has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to release billions in funding for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This funding, part of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, is crucial for developing EV charging stations across California. The lawsuit claims the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding these funds, affecting California’s ambitious EV infrastructure goals. The coalition of states aims to address this setback to sustainable transportation and climate initiatives, underlining the importance of federal support in bolstering EV investments.
California, in collaboration with 15 other states, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to compel the release of billions of dollars intended for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This funding is part of a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law that President Joe Biden signed into effect in 2021. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit at a news conference held at an EV charging station in Burlingame.
The lawsuit contends that the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding congressionally appropriated funds aimed at enhancing EV charging infrastructure, specifically through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI). California is anticipating a total of $300 million in funding, which is essential for the construction of EV charging stations across the state. However, the administration has failed to release these funds, which the lawsuit claims violates legal obligations set forth by Congress.
This legal action represents the 19th instance in which California has sought legal recourse against the Trump administration since he took office in January 2017. The lawsuit asserts that the Federal Highway Administration is neglecting its legal responsibility to allocate previously approved funds, further exacerbating the situation for states striving to bolster their electric vehicle infrastructure.
Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed concern that withholding this funding poses significant risks to American innovation and job creation. Additionally, he emphasized that the inability to access the funds would jeopardize California’s goal of expanding its EV infrastructure, which is paramount as the state hopes to position itself as a leader in sustainable transportation.
The lawsuit is supported by a coalition of states including Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. As stated in the lawsuit, the federal government’s freeze on funding is seen as a setback not only for California but also for broader climate change initiatives across the nation.
Strategically, California has made significant strides in the EV market, registering about 1.3 million electric cars as of September 2023. This figure notably surpasses registrations in states like Florida and Texas. Recently, the number of EV charging stations in California has overtaken the number of gasoline pumps, reflecting a crucial investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.
The state has mandated that all new passenger vehicles sold must emit zero emissions by 2035 and estimates indicate that nearly 1.2 million charging stations will be needed by 2030 to meet the projected demand. Failing to expand charging infrastructure is widely viewed as detrimental to California’s aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions and fulfill its climate targets.
The historical context suggests that the Trump administration has been a vocal opponent of electric vehicles and has previously issued directives that hinder funding for projects like the NEVI. An executive order from the administration early in its tenure paused funding for several initiatives, further complicating California’s efforts in this domain.
The lawsuit seeks to challenge the Trump directive, arguing that it undermines the authority granted to Congress regarding the allocation of funds for essential infrastructure. It underscores the principle of separation of powers, asserting that the executive branch should not have the capacity to override Congressional funding decisions.
Statistics indicate that California leads the country with nearly two million zero-emission vehicles sold, which accounts for approximately one-third of all such sales in the United States. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications, shaping the future of EV infrastructure, job creation, and climate change initiatives across California and the other states involved.
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