A Stunning Attack on Progress
President Trump’s first day back in office sent shockwaves through America’s clean energy ambitions. With a single executive order, he froze billions in congressionally approved funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion bipartisan plan to create a nationwide network of EV chargers, now lies in limbo. For California, this translates to a loss of over $300 million, countless jobs, and a critical tool in our fight against climate change.
Transportation accounts for 27% of America’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the nation’s top polluter. EVs offer a proven way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and create well-paying jobs, particularly in communities burdened by smog. By halting NEVI, Trump prioritizes fossil fuel interests over public health and economic opportunity. This decision undermines years of progress toward a cleaner future.
California refuses to accept this setback. Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by 16 other states, have launched a lawsuit to compel the administration to release the funds. Their fight defends not only the environment but also the rule of law. Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 with bipartisan support, allocating these funds. Can one person simply ignore the will of our elected representatives?
The consequences ripple far beyond California. Without NEVI, states cannot expand charging stations to make EVs accessible to all, leaving rural areas and underserved communities with limited options. Drivers face range anxiety, and the clean energy transition stalls. This move benefits oil companies, not everyday Americans.
At its core, this freeze reflects a choice to cling to the past. The oil industry’s influence looms large, pushing to keep America dependent on gasoline while the planet warms and air quality deteriorates. The public deserves better.
The Human and Economic Toll
California leads the nation in EV adoption, with over 2 million zero-emission vehicles sold, representing 30% of the U.S. total. Yet challenges persist. Public charging stations fail 20.8% of the time due to connectivity errors, damaged cables, or payment issues. NEVI funds were poised to address these problems, with California’s approved plan allocating $384 million to build a reliable, statewide charging network. Freezing these funds exacerbates existing issues and discourages drivers from choosing EVs.
The broader impact is staggering. Research indicates that undermining EV policies could reduce the EV market share by 40% by 2030, adding 49 million tons of carbon emissions. This jeopardy of backsliding threatens our climate goals and public health, particularly in areas already suffering from poor air quality. Why would we risk this?
Jobs hang in the balance too. The EV industry drives economic growth, creating thousands of positions in manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. By stalling NEVI, Trump jeopardizes America’s leadership in clean tech, handing an advantage to countries like China, which continues to invest heavily in EVs. Governor Newsom framed it starkly: this decision strengthens foreign competitors, not American workers.
Some argue that EV owners should bear the cost through fees, like a proposed $250 annual registration surcharge, to protect the Highway Trust Fund. This perspective, often tied to fossil fuel advocates, ignores reality. EVs lower healthcare costs by reducing air pollution and save drivers money on fuel. Public investment in chargers benefits everyone, fostering a cleaner, more equitable economy. Their stance merely delays the shift to sustainable transportation.
Defending Democracy and Our Planet
This battle transcends EVs; it’s about who shapes America’s future. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Seattle, asserts that Trump’s actions violate the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act. Congress holds the power to allocate funds, a principle reinforced by the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, enacted after President Nixon’s attempts to withhold appropriated money. Trump’s freeze echoes those abuses, challenging the separation of powers.
Judicial intervention is already underway. A federal judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order against similar funding pauses, signaling that courts may not tolerate such overreach. These legal fights highlight a fundamental issue: executive actions cannot override Congress’s authority. States like California are defending not just chargers but the democratic principles that protect our system of government.
Restoring NEVI funding is urgent. Every day of delay means more pollution, fewer jobs, and a diminished role for America in the global clean tech race. This fight belongs to everyone who values clean air, economic opportunity, and a government that respects the law. California’s coalition of states is leading the charge, and they need our support to secure a sustainable future.