Court Restores New York's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

New York's legal efforts have successfully reversed a controversial federal decision to freeze funds designated for electric vehicle infrastructure. Recently, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued a preliminary injunction, restoring essential funding that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) had previously withheld. This legal action, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 16 other state attorneys general, challenged the DOT's decision as both illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that it bypassed congressional authority.

The lawsuit arose after a January 29 executive order, which aimed to eliminate the so-called federal “electric vehicle mandate.” In response, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) halted billions in federal funds earmarked for the development of electric vehicle charging networks across states. Attorney General James emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “Strong support for electric vehicle infrastructure is critical to tackling pollution and the climate crisis.”

Originally, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $5 billion to states for their electric vehicle charging plans, distributed through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The preliminary injunction has now secured the release of approximately $120 million in NEVI funds for New York, funds that were previously frozen by the Trump Administration. This reinstatement will enhance the development of electric vehicle charging stations throughout strategic locations, including New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

The coalition, which includes attorneys general from states such as California, Colorado, and New Jersey, argued that the FHWA's actions lacked a legitimate rationale for revoking prior approvals for state plans. The court's decision ensures that the administration cannot withhold these NEVI funds, which are crucial for continuing the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure that Congress had prioritized with bipartisan support.

For more details, view the court order and the lawsuit announcement.