ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown this week joined a multi-state lawsuit this week challenging the Trump administration’s decision to withhold $49 million in previously approved federal funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The lawsuit (PDF), filed against the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), aims to prevent the administration from illegally terminating billions in congressionally approved funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI).
The funding, which was allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2022, is crucial for expanding electric vehicle charging networks across the country. Maryland officials, including Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, emphasized the importance of the NEVI program in supporting the state’s commitment to providing reliable and accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Maryland is committed to providing its residents, businesses, and tourists with a reliable and extensive electric vehicle charging network from Mountain Maryland to the Eastern Shore.
The Trump administration’s executive order, signed on January 20, mandated a pause in the disbursement of funds related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, specifically targeting the NEVI program. This action directly contradicts Congress’s directive to fund the program, and has resulted in the FHWA revoking previously approved plans for NEVI implementation. Despite Congressional tasking for NEVI funding, the Federal Highway Administration notified states in early February that it was revoking all previously approved NEVI implementation plans, a requirement for IIJA funding.
In Maryland, the withheld $49 million was earmarked for the construction of a fast-charger network along major highways, with excess funds intended to support the development of Level 2 chargers in communities with limited access. According to the State Highway Administration, the funding freeze jeopardizes the installation of 180 fast-charging ports and 1,611 Level 2 charging ports.
Attorney General Brown stressed the negative impact of the administration’s actions, stating, “By unlawfully withholding $49 million in approved funding, the Trump Administration is undermining efforts to expand our state’s charging network, reduce emissions, and build a healthier future for generations to come.”
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Brown and 16 other attorneys general, seeks a court order to overturn the FHWA’s actions and reinstate the NEVI funding for the states.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Pixabay
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