NRDC - Natural Resources Defense Council

01/23/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 15:56

Trump’s Plan to Claw Back EV Charging Funds: It’s Not That Simple

Part of the growing infrastructure supporting America's EV future

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iStock/Getty Images

In one of his first executive actions since returning to office, President Trump issued an order pausing the disbursement of funds for federal electric vehicle (EV) charging programs. His target? The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) programs, both established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022. While the rhetoric may grab headlines, the reality is far more complicated. These programs are legally entrenched, widely supported, and designed to withstand political turbulence.

The leaders of every state have submitted approved plans under the NEVI program to secure funding to build charging stations along their highways. The biases of a few people in Washington, D.C., are not going to change the fact that American drivers want and need more places to fill up their vehicle batteries.

NEVI: A nationwide, bipartisan effort

The NEVI program has achieved broad, bipartisan participation. As of January 2025, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have submitted and received approval for their EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans, developed by state transportation departments, that detail the optimal locations for EV chargers along designated corridors, ensuring a reliable, nationwide charging network while meeting local needs. This effort unlocks the participants' share of $5 billion allocated over five years through the NEVI program to develop a nationwide EV charging network. By late 2024, $2.4 billion had been allocated to states under NEVI-funding tied to approved state plans and contracts that makes it nearly impossible to reverse or stop.

This map shows nationwide progress and state engagement in implementing the NEVI program, including 42 states across the nation issuing solicitations, 37 awarding funding, and 12 already having at least one operational charging station. Among those leading the way are Ohio, Texas and Utah-all led by Republican governors.

CFI: Targeted funding for local innovation

Unlike NEVI, the CFI program is a competitive grant initiative. Eligible entities-such as states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations-apply for funding in multiple rounds. By early 2024, $623 million had been awarded to 47 projects across 22 states and Puerto Rico, supporting the construction of 7,500 charging ports. While participation varies by state, the program ensures diverse applicants can pursue funding to meet local needs.

Other programs at risk

Trump's executive order also puts other U.S. Department of Transportation programs at risk, such as the Carbon Reduction Program, which supports projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the PROTECT Program, which funds climate resilience in transportation infrastructure. These programs, like NEVI, are essential to modernizing America's transportation system, addressing climate change, and enhancing energy security.

Legal and practical safeguards against rollbacks

Reversing progress on these programs isn't just politically unpopular-it's legally difficult. The NEVI program ties disbursements to state-approved plans, and funds already committed through contracts or grants are bound by legal agreements. These safeguards make it nearly impossible to claw back money already allocated, except in cases of misuse or noncompliance. (And there has been no evidence of any misuse.)

Even for funds not yet obligated, the structure of infrastructure law ensures stability. NEVI's formula funding mechanism gives states flexibility to advance their projects, while any attempt to alter the program's framework would likely face legal challenges.

The impact of Trump's pause

Trump's executive order introduces uncertainty but cannot erase the substantial progress already made. The NEVI and CFI programs are critical to building the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicle adoption, a trend that reflects consumer choice rather than government mandates. Americans are buying EVs, and they need reliable places to charge them. These investments are creating jobs, improving air quality, and bolstering energy security.

The bottom line

Trump's plan to pause federal EV infrastructure funding is not as simple as it sounds. Every state has already engaged with the NEVI program, and the foundation for a nationwide charging network is underway. The legal and practical safeguards built into these programs ensure that they will continue to deliver results, despite political headwinds.

Americans overwhelmingly support these investments, which reflect the choices they've already made. Political attempts to pause or claw back funds may slow progress, but it won't stop the transition to cleaner, more reliable transportation for all.

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