Seventeen states are suing the Trump administration for withholding billions of dollars allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charger infrastructure.
The lawsuit, announced on May 7, 2025, challenges the administration's decision to claw back $20 billion in climate funds.
The Trump administration had directed states to halt spending on EV chargers, reversing a program initiated under President Joe Biden.
The EV charger program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was set to allocate $5 billion over five years.
An estimated $3.3 billion had already been made available to states.
The lawsuit is led by attorneys general from California, Colorado, and Washington.
They argue that Congress, which approved the funding in 2021, holds the authority over its allocation.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized Trump's decision as "short-sighted."
New York, a participant in the lawsuit, has been awarded over $175 million in federal funds from the program.
State officials report that $120 million is currently being withheld by the Trump administration.
Even Tesla, led by Elon Musk, who advises Trump on government efficiency, benefited from the program.
Tesla received millions to expand its EV charger network.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of California stated that withholding the funds was illegal.
He added that it would cost thousands of U.S. jobs.
Newsom referenced Trump's recent purchase of a Tesla as a show of support for Musk.
The Trump administration's action is part of a broader effort to reverse Biden-era environmental policies.
During his first week back in office, Trump took steps to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement again.
He also reversed a 2030 target for electric vehicles to make up half of new car sales.
The U.S. House also advanced proposals aimed at blocking California from enforcing vehicle-emission rules.