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Summary
The Trump administration’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has halted the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which is crucial for the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States. A letter from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) informed state transportation departments that their approved plans for deploying charging infrastructure are now invalid.
This move comes as a significant setback, casting doubt on the future of approximately $3.3 billion in funding for EV infrastructure, which states had hoped to utilize for enhancing charging access.
Highlights
- ⚡ Federal Halt: The Trump administration freezes the NEVI program, crucial for EV infrastructure funding.
- 💰 Funding in Limbo: Approximately $3.3 billion in NEVI funding is now uncertain, impacting state plans.
- 📜 Legal Controversy: Experts question the legality of rescinding previously approved funding and plans.
- 🚗 Impact on EV Adoption: The move could hinder the expansion of EV charging stations, a critical need for broader EV adoption.
- 🔄 Potential Court Battle: The suspension of NEVI funding may lead to legal challenges, as Congress appropriated these funds.
- 🏗️ Infrastructure Goals: NEVI was designed to build thousands of charging stations; its pause jeopardizes these efforts.
- 📅 Future Guidance: The FHWA plans to issue new guidance, but uncertainty remains for states and charging companies.
President Donald Trump’s Department of Transportation just dealt a blow to a key federal program that funds the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the U.S.
In a letter to state transportation departments titled “Suspending Approval of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans,” the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notified states that their plans to deploy charging infrastructure under the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program were no longer approved.
Under the NEVI program, states need to submit plans to the FHWA ahead of each fiscal year, outlining how they plan to use the funds. During the Biden administration, the FHWA approved the first four years of state plans, for fiscal years 2022 through 2025. Although that funding was essentially unlocked by states, not all of it has been spent or committed (in government speak, obligated) to projects.
It’s the latest effort from the Trump administration to halt climate-focused policies and programs that support the adoption of electric cars in this country. Trump’s first few weeks in office have been marked by unprecedented efforts from the White House to interfere with federal funds appropriated by Congress. A coalition of states sued the administration after it paused most federal loans and grants, which led the administration to walk that back.
Read the full post at Inside EVs.
