California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials, has spearheaded a legal challenge against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit, supported by 17 attorneys general, accuses the administration of unlawfully withholding billions in funding earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This funding was approved by Congress with bipartisan support under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), following directives from President Trump, has allegedly revoked approval of state EV infrastructure plans and withheld federal funds. In California alone, this action could result in a loss exceeding $300 million and threaten thousands of jobs in the emerging tech industry.
Attorney General Bonta criticized the President's actions as unconstitutional, stating: "The President continues his unconstitutional attempts to withhold funding that Congress appropriated to programs he dislikes." He emphasized California's commitment to leading the transition to sustainable transportation.
Governor Newsom also condemned the move, asserting: "When America retreats, China wins. President Trump’s illegal action withholding funds for electric vehicle infrastructure is yet another Trump gift to China."
David Hochschild of the California Energy Commission reiterated California's dedication to developing an accessible EV charging network. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin described the withholding of funds as "wasteful" and "illegal," emphasizing its potential impact on progress toward a sustainable transportation future.
The NEVI program was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated $5 billion for a national EV charging network. However, an executive order from President Trump halted these funds' release.
California leads in zero-emission vehicle adoption and aims to expand its charging infrastructure significantly. The state's plan includes leveraging public and private investments for this purpose.
The lawsuit claims that the NEVI directive violates both statutory law and constitutional principles. It seeks judicial intervention to declare the directive unlawful and prevent further withholding of funds. The legal action is co-led by Washington and Colorado's attorneys general, with support from several other states.