Sixteen blue states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. This legal battle highlights the growing tension between Republican federal policies and Democratic state environmental agendas. Could these affected states face a downslide in EV purchases?
States Challenge Trump’s EV Funding Halt
A coalition of 16 blue states and the District of Columbia has launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration for suspending the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. The lawsuit, filed in the District Court for the Western District of Washington, argues that the Federal Highway Administration’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act, the Separation of Powers Doctrine, and the Take Care Clause.
The suspension follows President Trump’s directive to pause disbursements from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Congress had originally mandated the $5 billion to be distributed over fiscal years 2022-2026, with $3.3 billion already made available to states before the pause.
States Sue Trump Admin Over Termination Of Funding For EV Charging Stations https://t.co/fBQkQQMy12
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) May 10, 2025
States Face Significant Financial Losses
California stands to lose approximately $300 million in federal funding, while Washington could forfeit $71 million if the suspension remains in place. These states have adopted aggressive zero-emission vehicle standards, with Washington requiring all new passenger cars and trucks to be zero emissions by 2035.
California’s climate goals depend heavily on expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, with plans anticipating hundreds of thousands of additional charging ports. Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the funding halt, stating, “President Trump’s illegal action withholding funds for electric vehicle infrastructure is yet another Trump gift to China — ceding American innovation and killing thousands of jobs.”
Although Biden also withheld billions in funding for EV charging stations, blue states decide to sue the Trump administration.🙄https://t.co/2tx4klzmGC pic.twitter.com/Jlu3y4NIuU
— Steve Milloy (@JunkScience) May 8, 2025
Political Implications and Environmental Agenda Clash
The lawsuit highlights a fundamental disagreement over federal and state responsibilities in environmental stewardship. Attorneys general from Arizona, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Vermont have joined California, Colorado, and Washington in the legal action.
Newsom further taunted the administration by referencing Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump, stating, “Instead of hawking Teslas on the White House lawn, President Trump could actually help Elon — and the nation — by following the law and releasing this bipartisan funding.” This legal challenge comes as Tesla faces other difficulties, including stock declines and acts of vandalism linked to protests against Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency.