DOT Restarts EV Charger Funding After Court Blocked Halt
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Key provisions from a program designed to develop a national network of electric vehicle charging stations were recently updated by the Trump administration.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 11 announced a series of modifications and updates meant to reform the Biden-era . The ’s aim is to further facilitate state agencies’ access to resources for building new EV charging stations.
“If Congress is requiring the federal government to support charging stations, let’s cut the waste and do it right,” Duffy said in a statement accompanying the announcement, suggesting the previous administration missed the mark on the program’s ultimate goal.
“The [President Joe] Biden [former Secretary Pete] Buttigieg administration failed to deliver EV chargers despite their promises,” Duffy continued. “Our revised NEVI guidance slashes red tape and makes it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure. While I don’t agree with subsidizing green energy, we will respect Congress’ will and make sure this program uses federal resources efficiently.”
Central to the Trump administration’s reforms to the NEVI program is minimizing state requirements linked to electric grid integration systems as well as eliminating requirements associated with consumer protections and emergency evacuation procedures. DOT also is providing funding flexibility for roadway projects and a streamline of rules and guidance linked to the project-approval process.
"We will respect Congress’ will and make sure this program uses federal resources efficiently," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says. (Rod Lamkey Jr./Associated Press)
Per background information the department released as part of this interim final guidance for the NEVI program, the recent update is “consistent with President [Donald] Trump’s commitment to ending unlawful, unnecessary and onerous requirements.”
The , tasked with managing the program, is soliciting public input specific to this new interim guidance. FHWA will further modify the NEVI program accordingly based on public and stakeholder feedback. The agency is asking for comments to be submitted this month, according to a .
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NEVI has been on the Trump White House’s radar since the start of the president’s second term in January.
In an executive order from Jan. 20 titled, “,” the White House stated, “Terminating the Green New Deal. (a) All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), including but not limited to funds for electric vehicle charging stations made available through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.”
The Green New Deal is a progressive policy proposal advocated by congressional Democrats. Aspects of the Green New Deal were included in Biden-era climate-centric laws.
The $5 billion NEVI program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly referred to as the bipartisan infrastructure law. The program included language to support the nationwide deployment of EV infrastructure, such as charging stations. FHWA manages the program. The Biden administration sought to establish a national operation of functional charging stations to assist with the mainstream deployment of electric vehicles.
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