President Donald Trump’s Department of Transportation just dealt a blow to a key federal program that funds the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the U.S. 

In a letter to state transportation departments titled “Suspending Approval of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans,” the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notified states that their plans to deploy charging infrastructure under the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program were no longer approved. 

Under the NEVI program, states need to submit plans to the FHWA ahead of each fiscal year, outlining how they plan to use the funds. During the Biden administration, the FHWA approved the first four years of state plans, for fiscal years 2022 through 2025. Although that funding was essentially unlocked by states, not all of it has been spent or committed (in government speak, obligated) to projects. 

It’s the latest effort from the Trump administration to halt climate-focused policies and programs that support the adoption of electric cars in this country. Trump’s first few weeks in office have been marked by unprecedented efforts from the White House to interfere with federal funds appropriated by Congress. A coalition of states sued the administration after it paused most federal loans and grants, which led the administration to walk that decision back. 

The DOT’s latest move could end up getting sorted out by the courts as well. NEVI funding was appropriated by Congress through the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the program can’t be wiped away with the stroke of a pen. 

“The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program. Accordingly, the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance are rescinded,” the letter reads. 

“As a result of the rescission of the NEVI Formula Program Guidance, FHWA is also immediately suspending the approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans for all fiscal years. Therefore, effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance is issued and new State plans are submitted and approved,” it continues. 

The Federal Highway Administration said that states may not obligate new funds—meaning sign new contracts for projects using the funds that were previously approved. However, funds that have already been obligated won’t be affected, the administration said. 

“Until new guidance is issued, reimbursement of existing obligations will be allowed in order to not disrupt current financial commitments,” the letter said. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.