Trump Administration Reinstates $5 Billion EV Charger Funds After Court Loss

Federal Funding Released for EV Charging Infrastructure

After a period of months during which the funds were withheld, the Trump administration has now released new guidelines for states regarding the distribution of $5 billion earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

A group of states initiated legal action against the funding hold placed on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This action was part of a broader pattern by the administration to impede the disbursement of funds previously approved by Congress early in Donald Trump’s second term.

Legal Challenge and Court Ruling

In June, a judge issued an injunction in favor of the suing states, determining they were likely to prevail in their challenge to the administration’s spending freeze.

Concerns Over Spending Pace

The Department of Transportation (DOT), currently under the leadership of Sean Duffy, has voiced concerns about the slow rate at which states were utilizing the allocated funds. As of May, approximately 84% of the $5 billion – authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – remained uncommitted.

Only a limited number of charging stations, a few dozen in total, had been constructed during this period.

Justification for the Funding Halt

The DOT previously stated that the funding was paused to facilitate a “review process.” This review was intended to ensure the NEVI program aligned with the administration’s stated objectives.

New Guidance and Reduced Requirements

The newly released guidance prioritizes streamlining the approval process for charging stations. States will no longer be required to assess factors such as consumer protections, emergency evacuation protocols, and environmental impact assessments prior to commencing construction.

Furthermore, the DOT has eliminated the mandate that a specific portion of the charging stations be located in rural, underserved, or disadvantaged areas.

Changes to Labor and Business Inclusion

The guidance now omits stipulations requiring funding proposals to demonstrate a commitment to robust labor practices, safety training, and installation standards.

Language previously mandating opportunities for participation by minority- and women-owned small businesses has also been removed from the requirements.

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