Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing $71 million in federal funds allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Eastern Washington.
The funding, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program established under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was intended to develop EV charging stations along designated “alternative fuel corridors” to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce emissions.
Upon returning to office, President Trump issued an executive order halting the disbursement of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, including those designated for EV infrastructure projects.
Washington joins a coalition of 16 states and the District of Columbia in challenging the administration’s decision, arguing that the executive branch lacks the authority to withhold funds appropriated by Congress.
Attorney General Brown emphasized the importance of the funding for advancing clean transportation and supporting the state’s environmental goals.
