After a federal judge sided with states challenging the funding freeze, the Trump administration’s Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, issued updated guidance this week to resume congressionally approved EV charger spending
The Trump administration has lifted a months-long freeze on $5 billion in federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, unveiling new guidelines that significantly scale back earlier program requirements. The funds, allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, had been withheld since the start of Donald Trump’s second term.
The decision to pause funding had sparked legal action from a coalition of states, which accused the administration of blocking congressionally approved spending. In June, a federal judge sided with the states, issuing an injunction against the freeze. The ruling paved the way for the Department of Transportation (DOT), headed by Secretary Sean Duffy, to release the updated guidance this week.
Shift away from equity and safety requirements
The new directives focus on expediting project approvals by removing several conditions previously imposed on states. Under the revised rules, states will no longer be required to conduct reviews addressing consumer protections, environmental siting, emergency evacuation planning, or community impact before construction begins.
Also eliminated are mandates ensuring that a portion of charging stations be built in rural, underserved, or disadvantaged areas. Earlier provisions encouraging participation by minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as commitments to strong labor, safety training, and installation standards, have also been dropped from the program criteria.
DOT officials say the changes are intended to streamline the process and accelerate deployment of charging stations. “Our goal is to get chargers built quickly and efficiently,” Duffy stated, noting that as of May, 84% of the $5 billion remained unspent and only a few dozen federally funded chargers were operational nationwide.
Administration defends review process
The DOT has maintained that the funding freeze was not a permanent halt but a temporary measure to align the NEVI program with the administration’s policy objectives. Critics argue the revisions could undermine equitable access and weaken safeguards for workers and communities.
Despite the controversy, states can now resume applying for and distributing funds under the updated framework. Whether the streamlined process will accelerate construction — and how the absence of earlier protections will affect deployment — remains to be seen.
