by Victoria Mossi at WPN
The Trump administration has lifted its freeze on $5 billion in federal funds for EV charging infrastructure following a court ruling deeming the halt illegal. The new guidance relaxes requirements, accelerating deployment but raising environmental concerns. This move revives a Biden-era program amid ongoing debates over energy priorities.
In a significant reversal for U.S. transportation policy, the Trump administration has lifted its controversial freeze on $5 billion in federal funds earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The move comes after a federal court ruled the initial halt illegal, forcing the Department of Transportation to issue new guidance that allows states to access the money, albeit with relaxed requirements.
The funds, originally allocated under the Biden-era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, were intended to build a nationwide network of EV chargers to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. However, shortly after taking office in 2025, the Trump administration paused the program, citing concerns over cost and alignment with broader energy priorities favoring fossil fuels.
Court Mandates Funding Release
A pivotal court decision in June 2025, as reported by NPR, issued a preliminary injunction ordering the resumption of the program. U.S. District Judge Tana Lin in Seattle found that the freeze exceeded presidential authority, emphasizing that Congress had explicitly designated the funds for EV infrastructure.
This ruling echoed sentiments in a Reuters report, which highlighted the program’s roots in the Inflation Reduction Act and the administration’s overreach in withholding bipartisan-approved allocations.
Relaxed Guidelines Spark Debate…
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