A federal judge in Seattle on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to reinstate federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Washington and 13 other states, unfreezing billions of dollars crucial for the nation's nascent charging network. U.S. District Court Judge Tana Lin’s preliminary injunction reopens access to funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, a cornerstone of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by former President Joe Biden in 2021. This decision directly addresses the market's need for robust charging infrastructure, a key enabler for widespread EV adoption.

For months, approximately $5 billion allocated under the NEVI program, with about $1 billion earmarked for the plaintiff states, had been withheld by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a policy review. Washington State alone was set to receive $71 million. Judge Lin, a Biden appointee, found that the Trump administration had “overstepped their Constitutional and statutory authority” and “attempted to override the express will of Congress.” Her ruling, effective July 1st to allow for potential appeals, emphasizes the court’s responsibility to “remediate the situation and restore the balance of power” when the Executive Branch acts contrary to law.

The lawsuit, brought by Washington and 13 other states, successfully argued the detrimental impact of the funding freeze. States like Washington had already begun accepting grant applications for their allocated NEVI funds, with the delay stalling critical project development. While Minnesota, Vermont, and the District of Columbia were part of the lawsuit, they were not covered by the ruling due to insufficient evidence of impact. The preliminary injunction also prevents the administration from revoking previously approved state funding plans.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown lauded the decision, stating, “The court confirmed that Donald Trump can’t just wish that future away because he likes fossil fuels.” The lack of public charging infrastructure has long been cited as a primary driver of “range anxiety” among potential EV buyers, a phenomenon Judge Lin highlighted in her ruling by referencing a 1995 episode of “The Simpsons.” Despite Washington's relatively high EV adoption rates, its public charging infrastructure development has lagged, making this funding release particularly vital. The federal funds are essential for deploying charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors, ensuring interoperability and accessibility for all EV drivers.