A coalition of 16 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration on Dec. 16 for halting two bipartisan EV charging grant programs created under the $1 trillion 2022 infrastructure law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta says the U.S. Department of Transportation has refused to approve any new awards under those programs. One program includes a $2.5 billion fund for state and city EV charging and hydrogen fueling projects. The lawsuit, led by California, Washington and Colorado, argues the suspension undermines congressional intent and threatens planned infrastructure projects.
16 States and D.C. Sue Trump Administration Over Suspension Of EV Charging Grant Programs
An electric vehicle charging location is shown from the view of a drone in Carlsbad, California, U.S., May 14, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake
On Dec. 16, a coalition of 16 U.S. states and the District of Columbia filed suit against the Trump administration, alleging it unlawfully suspended two bipartisan grant programs that fund electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the U.S. Department of Transportation has refused to approve any new awards under the two programs that Congress created as part of the $1 trillion infrastructure law enacted in 2022. One of those programs allocates $2.5 billion to states and cities to build EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
The litigation is being led by California, Washington and Colorado, and contends that the administration's decision to halt approvals will stall crucial investments in EV networks and related clean-fuel infrastructure. Plaintiffs say the pause undermines bipartisan congressional intent and threatens planned projects at the state and local level.
Potential Impacts: If the challenge succeeds, it could force the Department of Transportation to resume awarding grants and accelerate funding to projects that support electric vehicle adoption and hydrogen refueling. If not, states warn it would slow deployment of chargers and could disrupt regional planning and private investment tied to expected federal support.
Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington.
