Seattle judge considers reversing Trumps EV charger funding freeze

The Washington attorney general’s office urged a federal judge in Seattle to order the Trump administration to restore $5 billion for an electric vehicle charging network. The funding stems from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, established under a bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden in 2021. The Federal Highway Administration had initially approved state plans for using these funds but rescinded that approval in February, stating it would review the underlying policies. Sixteen states and D. C.

filed a lawsuit in May, claiming the administration violated the separation of powers by withholding essential funding. They are seeking a preliminary injunction to release around $1 billion, although this would only benefit the suing states. Washington is advancing its EV initiatives, with more than 190,000 new registrations in 2024, but lacks sufficient public charging infrastructure. State officials indicate that only half of the fast chargers needed by 2025 are currently available. The urgency of the lawsuit reflects the growing need for reliable charging options as the state transitions away from gas-powered vehicles.