# **DOT Directs States to Stop Federally Funded EV Charging Station Initiatives**
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released an order instructing states to pause their plans for the **National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)** program, a $5 billion initiative aimed at increasing the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide. This announcement, disclosed in a memo acquired by *WIRED* and subsequently made public, has sparked worries regarding the future of EV infrastructure growth in the United States.
## **Overview of the NEVI Program**
The NEVI program was launched under the **2021 Infrastructure Law** to tackle a significant hurdle in EV adoption—accessibility to charging options. This initiative was meant to finance the installation of charging stations along thousands of miles of federal highways, especially in regions where private investment in charging infrastructure might not be economically feasible.
As part of the program, each state was obligated to produce a plan detailing the locations and methods for constructing EV charging stations, along with the companies they would enlist for the job. Up to this point, states have utilized these plans to erect over 30 charging stations, with hundreds more currently in the pipeline.
## **DOT’s Directive to Suspend the Program**
The memo indicates that the **Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)**, responsible for the NEVI program, has told state transportation agencies to “decertify” their plans. This action effectively halts the deployment of federally funded EV charging stations, leaving numerous projects in uncertainty.
The DOT’s directive seems to reflect a wider policy shift under the Trump administration, which has shown skepticism towards EV-related initiatives. According to the memo, the administration plans to create new guidance for the program, which will then be subjected to a period of public feedback. This process might postpone the program for several months, if not longer.
## **Legal and Financial Consequences**
Legal analysts have raised alarms that the DOT’s directive could be **unlawful**. Andrew Rogers, a former deputy administrator and chief counsel of the FHWA, contends that there is “no legal precedent” for the federal government to decertify state-approved plans that have already received funding.
Moreover, the directive may contradict previous court decisions that mandated the Trump administration to **release** federal funding for state projects. The **Administrative Procedures Act (APA)** requires federal agencies to adhere to specific legal protocols before enacting policy modifications, and some analysts believe the DOT’s decision could breach these obligations.
## **Repercussions for EV Infrastructure and Enterprises**
The pause of the NEVI program raises alarms about the future of EV adoption in the U.S. Polls suggest that **range anxiety**—the worry of depleting battery power due to a scarcity of charging stations—is a significant impediment to EV acceptance. The NEVI program was crafted to mitigate this issue by guaranteeing that charging stations would be situated at regular intervals along key highways.
This decision also bears financial repercussions for businesses that have already invested in the initiative. Companies awarded contracts to develop and manage charging stations might incur financial losses if funding is not allocated as hoped. As Ryan McKinnon, a spokesperson for **Charge Ahead Partnership**, notes, firms that have expended time and resources preparing for NEVI-funded projects will be notably affected.
## **Political Context and Prospective Outlook**
The Trump administration has made its intent to **reverse EV-related policies** abundantly clear. On his first day in office, President Trump enacted an **executive order** aimed at abolishing what he referred to as the “EV mandate,” despite the absence of such a federal mandate.
Tesla, a key player in the EV sector, has secured **$31 million in NEVI funding**, which represents **6% of the total funds distributed** thus far. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also been active in federal measures to **audit and reduce government spending**, which may further influence EV-related initiatives.
As the circumstances evolve, it is uncertain if the NEVI program will recommence under new regulations or suffer additional delays. The decision to cease the program could lead to lasting repercussions for the U.S. EV market, influencing consumers, businesses, and the nation’s capability to shift towards a more sustainable transportation framework.
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### **Conclusion**
The DOT’s command to pause federally funded EV charging station initiatives has ignited legal, fiscal, and political discussions. While the NEVI program aimed to rectify the scarcity of charging infrastructure and promote EV usage, its suspension could hinder advancement and foster uncertainty for both businesses and consumers. As the Trump administration formulates new policies, those invested in the EV sector will be attentively monitoring how this decision will shape the future of electric mobility in the U.S.
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*This article is based on reporting from [WIRED](https://www.wired.com/story/feds-halt-national-electric-vehicle-charging-program/).*
