Summary
- DOT under President Trump halts approval of state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans
- FHWA notified states that previously approved plans under the NEVI program are no longer approved
- Trump administration making efforts to halt climate-focused policies supporting electric cars
- Federal judges blocked spending freeze on federal loans and grants after lawsuits
- States are allowed to reimburse existing obligations but cannot commit new funds until new guidance is issued
Article
Trump Administration Suspends Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Funding
President Donald Trump’s Department of Transportation recently announced the suspension of the approval of state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans, a blow to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Under this program, states need to submit plans to the FHWA outlining how they plan to use the funds, with approval granted by the FHWA. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to halt climate-focused policies and programs supporting the adoption of electric cars in the U.S.
Legal Challenges and Program Appropriation
During the Biden administration, the FHWA approved the first four years of state plans under the NEVI program. However, not all of the $5 billion allocated to the program has been spent or committed to projects. The Trump administration’s actions have faced legal challenges, as a coalition of states and nonprofit groups sued after a funding freeze was ordered. Despite these challenges, the NEVI funding was appropriated by Congress through the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, meaning the program cannot be easily erased.
Department of Transportation’s Review and Suspension
The Department of Transportation cited a need to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program, leading to the rescission of current guidance on the program. As a result, the approval of all state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans has been suspended until updated guidance is issued. While new obligations under the program are prohibited, existing obligations will not be affected, allowing for reimbursement of funds already committed to projects to continue without disruption.
Implications for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The suspension of the NEVI program approval could have significant implications for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the U.S. States will need to await the issuance of updated guidance from the FHWA before new projects can be initiated under the program. This delay may impact the pace of expansion for charging infrastructure needed to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
Court Involvement and Continuing Updates
With legal challenges mounting against the Trump administration’s actions regarding federal programs and funding, the fate of the NEVI program remains uncertain. While ongoing litigation and court decisions may provide clarity on the future of the program, stakeholders and states involved in electric vehicle infrastructure deployment will need to closely monitor developments to ensure progress on expanding charging infrastructure. Updates on this story and the resolution of the suspension may provide insights into the direction of federal support for electric vehicle initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Future of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding
As the Department of Transportation reviews policies and guidelines for the NEVI Formula Program, stakeholders in the electric vehicle industry and advocates for sustainable transportation will be closely watching for updates and announcements. The resolution of legal challenges, the issuance of updated guidance, and the resumption of state plans approval will be key milestones in determining the future of electric vehicle infrastructure funding and support under the new administration. Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving story.
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