A federal judge in Seattle has ordered the Trump administration to restore funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, citing a violation of existing law. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which allocated $5 billion for states to construct charging stations and promote EV adoption, was suspended by the Department of Transportation in January.
Sixteen states, including California and Washington, sued the administration, arguing that it had overstepped its authority by withholding funds. US District Court Judge Tana Lin agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the Executive Branch should not “tread upon the will of the Legislative Branch.”
Lin’s ruling also referenced a 1995 episode of “The Simpsons,” in which Homer Simpson struggles to find charging for his electric van. The judge noted that Congress had sought to address “range anxiety” – the unease experienced by EV drivers about finding charging stations.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Department of Transportation, with a spokesperson calling it “nonsensical.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the ruling, stating that it blocks the administration’s attempt to undermine federal spending on EVs. The ruling is not final and will be appealed by the Trump administration.
Source: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/25/san-diego-and-the-simpsons-each-mentioned-in-court-case-on-trump-and-evs