Judge rules against Trump administration’s suspension of EV charger program

Transportation Department from withholding the states’ previously approved funds or canceling their implementation plans.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully suspended federal funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, siding with 20 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C. U.S. District Judge Tana Lin found that the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration violated administrative law by pausing the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The ruling permanently blocks the Transportation Department from withholding the states’ previously approved funds or canceling their implementation plans. Judge Lin said the law did not allow even a temporary pause in funding, rejecting the administration’s argument that the suspension was short-term.

Environmental groups praised the decision as a win for clean energy and the rule of law. The case comes as Congress considers legislation that would redirect a portion of EV charging funds to other infrastructure projects, while the Trump administration continues to pursue policies favoring gas-powered vehicles and reducing EV incentives.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/24/us-judge-trump-admin-unlawfully-suspended-ev-charger-program.html