A significant legal dispute has emerged involving the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration concerning the withholding of substantial funds allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charger infrastructure. Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, is among several state attorneys general challenging this decision. The lawsuit contends that only Congress holds the authority to rescind funding previously approved for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. This issue arises as states like Oregon face increasing demand for EV chargers due to the rapid rise in electric vehicles on the road.
Details of the Legal Dispute
In a courtroom setting within the United States District Court in Seattle, a coalition led by Washington, California, and Colorado's Attorneys General, alongside 13 other Democratic counterparts, has filed a lawsuit. The defendants named include the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Highway Administration led by acting administrator Gloria Shepherd. At the heart of the case lies the contention over $5 billion in funding approved by Congress in 2022 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding was earmarked to assist states in constructing EV charging networks along major highways.
However, a recent executive order from President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to halt the distribution of these funds. Consequently, the Federal Highway Administration rescinded prior approvals for state plans aimed at expanding EV charging networks, rendering them ineligible for remaining funds. Oregon, which had been awarded $52 million in 2021 to enhance its EV charging infrastructure over five years, finds itself at risk of falling short of its climate objectives if federal funding remains delayed or cut off.
Oregon’s Department of Transportation had meticulously planned to establish 11 alternative fuel corridors statewide, featuring numerous fast-charging stations. These plans included more than 150 fast chargers and Level 2 chargers, essential for meeting the projected demand of between 8,000 to 13,000 public DC fast-chargers and 12,000 to 50,000 Level 2 chargers by 2030. With only about 3,800 public EV chargers currently available across Oregon, the shortfall could significantly impede progress toward accommodating the rising number of electric vehicles.
From a journalist's perspective, this lawsuit underscores the critical importance of maintaining consistent federal support for transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions. It highlights the potential consequences when political decisions disrupt well-laid plans aimed at addressing environmental challenges. As the nation moves towards cleaner energy options, ensuring stable funding mechanisms becomes paramount for achieving long-term climate goals. This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between legislative power and executive actions in shaping America's future transportation landscape.