On Wednesday, California, along with 15 other states and the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against the federal government in U.S. District Court in Washington State. The states, including New York, New Jersey, and Colorado, claim the government is unlawfully withholding billions of dollars allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

In February, the U.S. Transportation Department paused the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which oversees $5 billion in funding, and withdrew approval of state plans pending a review. Senate Democrats noted that over $3 billion of the program’s funds, established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are currently on hold.

The states argue that the funding suspension hinders their ability to expand EV charging networks. They stated: "The administration’s decision will devastate the ability of states to build the charging infrastructure necessary for making EVs accessible to more consumers, combating climate change, reducing other harmful pollution, and supporting the states’ green economies." This infrastructure is vital for increasing EV adoption and supporting sustainable energy goals.

A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy did not provide an immediate response. In February, a coalition of automakers and EV charging companies urged the Transportation Department to reinstate the funding promptly to maintain progress in building charging networks.

The NEVI program, designed to enhance EV accessibility along highways, has already distributed approximately $3.3 billion to states. The lawsuit emphasizes that Congress, not the executive branch, holds the authority to manage these funds, challenging the legality of the suspension. The outcome of this case could significantly impact the development of EV infrastructure across the United States.