Trump Blocks $Billions in EV Funding: NY AG Sues

NEW YORK – The Trump administration is facing a legal broadside from New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 15 other states, plus the governor of Pennsylvania, accusing it of illegally holding hostage billions in federal funding earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The suit, filed today, alleges a blatant power grab, with the administration freezing congressionally approved funds without explanation or justification.

According to the complaint, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have refused to approve new funding under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program (Accelerator) – both created under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Despite clear congressional intent, the administration has effectively halted new obligations, leaving vital state and local projects in bureaucratic purgatory and threatening the long-term viability of programs designed to modernize transportation, cut pollution, and create much-needed jobs.

“This administration is attempting to override Congress by freezing billions of dollars it has no right to withhold,” Attorney General James stated bluntly. “Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse for a reason. When a president ignores the law and blocks funding on a whim, it threatens the fundamental checks and balances that protect our democracy. We are suing because the strength of our nation depends on a free and independent legislature.” The lawsuit claims this constitutes an illegal impoundment, violating both the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The funds in question were allocated through the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with a five-year funding window. However, since early 2025, the Trump administration has refused to release any new funds. While FHWA offered a public explanation for suspending one EV program, it has remained conspicuously silent about the CFI and Accelerator grants, leaving states scrambling and projects stalled. In New York alone, a nearly $15 million CFI grant awarded to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) – intended to install approximately 1,000 public EV charging stations and support workforce training – is currently in limbo.

NYSERDA has met all federal requirements and received initial approval for construction at select sites, but federal officials are refusing to release the funds. This freeze isn’t just about money; it’s about disrupting critical infrastructure investments and undermining states’ efforts to improve air quality, expand transportation access, and meet crucial economic and climate goals. The coalition is demanding the court declare the funding freeze unlawful and compel DOT and FHWA to immediately resume the distribution of funds as legally mandated.

Joining Attorney General James in this legal battle are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, alongside the governor of Pennsylvania. This is shaping up to be a protracted fight, and Grimy Times will continue to follow the developments as they unfold, exposing the underbelly of Washington’s power plays and holding those accountable who attempt to subvert the will of the people – and the law.