Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced that the state is co-leading a lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from terminating billions in federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. This includes a combined $1 billion in the plaintiff states, with Washington at risk of losing over $71 million.
“The president’s illegal claw-backs aren’t spending reductions – they’re cash grabs that rob taxpayers, steamroll Congress, and stifle critical economic development,” Brown stated. He emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure as Washingtonians adopt electric vehicles at high rates.
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) to support states in deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure. However, President Trump ordered a pause on disbursement of these funds on January 20, affecting allocations under both the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act.
Despite Congressional mandates, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) informed states it was revoking previous approvals and withholding NEVI program funds. Washington's plans to reduce transportation-related pollution rely heavily on these funds.
Transportation remains Washington's largest carbon pollution source, contributing to health issues like cancer and asthma. To address this, Washington has adopted zero-emission vehicle standards starting with 2025 models and aims for all new passenger cars to be zero emission by 2035.
The lawsuit filed by Brown alongside attorneys general from California, Colorado, and 14 other jurisdictions seeks to reverse FHWA’s actions and restore funding. The complaint highlights how withholding funds impedes Washington's statutory requirements for transitioning to electric vehicles.
The Attorney General’s Office serves as Washington's largest law firm, providing legal representation across state agencies while enforcing consumer protection laws. More information can be found at www.atg.wa.gov.