The Trump administration has released new guidelines for states to distribute $5 billion in federal funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, ending a months-long freeze that had sparked legal challenges.
The funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, had been withheld while the Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a review.
The freeze prompted a coalition of states to sue, arguing the administration’s actions unlawfully delayed the program. A court ruling in June sided with the states, leading to an injunction that allowed the funds to move forward. As of May, most of the funding remained unspent, with only limited construction of charging stations completed.
Under the new guidance, several requirements have been removed, including those related to consumer protections, emergency evacuation plans, environmental siting, and the allocation of chargers to rural or underserved areas.
Provisions for labor standards, safety training, and participation by minority- and women-owned businesses have also been eliminated in an effort to streamline project approvals.
