Trump Takes Aim At EVs And Clean Energy; 16 States Go To Court

Photo: Caltrans

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 7, 16 states, including California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the federal government of unlawfully withholding billions of dollars earmarked for building electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The legal action, brought in U.S. District Court in Washington State and joined by states including New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and the District of Columbia, claims that the suspension of funding—previously approved under the Inflation Reduction Act—violates federal law.

According to the states, the administration’s decision undermines their ability to expand EV infrastructure, combat climate change, reduce pollution, and support green economic growth.

This lawsuit is the latest flashpoint in a broader rollback of clean energy initiatives by President Donald Trump since taking office in January. Trump has moved swiftly to dismantle key Biden-era climate policies, many of which aimed to transition the U.S. from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

His actions have included halting the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, rescinding approvals for state EV plans, and revoking a 2021 executive order by President Biden that set a goal of making half of all new vehicle sales electric by 2030.

These decisions reflect not just a policy shift but a deeper political motive: undermining President Biden’s environmental legacy. With Biden widely regarded as the “climate president,” Trump appears determined to reverse that image by doubling down on fossil fuels and rolling back climate-friendly initiatives.

Now, the dispute over EV funding has reached a boiling point. Senate Democrats report that over $3 billion in promised funds have been frozen. Environmental groups, state leaders, and industry advocates are urging the administration to restore funding, warning that the current freeze threatens EV accessibility and the nation’s climate goals.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to push for expanded domestic oil production, a revival of coal power, and the dismantling of clean transportation projects such as California’s high-speed rail. As the legal and political battles escalate, the future of America’s clean energy transition hangs in the balance.