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The Trump administration has thrown a wrench in the works by suspending the $5 billion NEVI fund for electric vehicle charging stations, raising questions about future green infrastructure.
At a Glance
- Trump administration freezes $5 billion electric vehicle charging project.
- Federal Highway Administration halts state spending on NEVI funds pending review.
- Suspension casts uncertainty on local charging infrastructure plans.
- Potential violation of the Impoundment Control Act under scrutiny.
Suspension Clouds NEVI Program’s Future
The Federal Highway Administration has put a sudden halt on the $5 billion allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program started under Biden. The suspension, pending a policy review, leaves states unable to utilize their funds, prompting widespread concern among stakeholders about the implications for EV infrastructure. Many are left guessing whether this move signifies a long-term shift in priorities or a temporary pause for reassessment.
In a memo released Thursday, the Federal Highway Administration ordered states to halt a $5 billion program to build fast EV chargers on highways nationwide — an initiative that President Donald Trump cited as an example of the “Green New Deal.” https://t.co/3lb3kjFfgo
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 7, 2025
Current commitments for designing and building charging stations will be honored, allowing reimbursements to proceed. However, new projects face hurdles with the future and framework of the NEVI program uncertain. States that had begun releasing solicitations for projects now face untimely delays, affecting roughly 3,560 fast-charging ports halfway through development. The setback has initiated a debate on whether local governments can proceed independently or await further federal guidance.
Legal Questions and State Reactions
The controversial suspension of the funds could be a legal quagmire, potentially violating the Impoundment Control Act, which restricts withholding congressionally approved funding. This has stirred debate around the authority of the Department of Transportation to unilaterally halt funding distribution without congressional approval. Andrew Rogers has stated, the suspension “appears to ignore both the law and multiple restraining orders that have been issued by federal courts.” This review and retraction have made information pages related to the NEVI program disappear from FHWA’s website, leaving stakeholders in the dark.
State officials now face an uphill battle trying to navigate their infrastructure planning amid increasing demand for EVs. Many states had backed their green initiatives on the NEVI funding, leaving them scrambling to find alternatives to meet zero-emission vehicle goals. This suspension could mean delays in deployment, affecting drivers and road planners alike.
Trump’s Stance on Electric Vehicles
President Trump’s administration has always been vocal about its skepticism towards electric vehicles. Policies under his administration appear to roll back many of Biden’s ambitious climate plans, including EV sales targets. Trump previously revoked orders aimed at bolstering EV sales by 2030, reflecting a broader strategy of fossil fuel preservation over green energy initiatives. Critics argue the suspension could just be a prelude to further rollbacks on climate progress, yet the real motives remain speculative.
With 126 public charging ports from 31 stations in play across various states, the NEVI program was a fundamental step towards supporting EV infrastructure. The suspension’s effect is emblematic of the larger bipartisan divide over federal infrastructure spending and the future of America’s energy policy. Until the review concludes, many are left in the throes of uncertainty, questioning if the funds will still reach their intended green future.