Maryland Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Over Halted Federal EV Infrastructure Funds

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 17 states challenging the Trump administration’s suspension of federal electric vehicle infrastructure funding. The lawsuit aims to overturn an executive order halting disbursements under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which threatens to withhold $49 million in funding previously allocated to Maryland for expanding its EV charging network.

The funding in question was part of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $5 billion to the NEVI program to build out nationwide charging infrastructure. The Federal Highway Administration, following the recent executive order, has revoked approvals that states like Maryland had secured to implement these plans. The action endangers construction of fast-charging stations along major highways and the installation of Level 2 chargers in underserved communities.

Maryland’s Department of Transportation has warned that the freeze could derail critical progress in reducing transportation emissions. According to the agency, the loss of funding may result in the cancellation of 180 fast-charging ports and 1,611 Level 2 charging ports. The halt could significantly impair the state’s broader goals to increase EV adoption and provide equitable access to charging infrastructure statewide.

Attorney General Brown’s legal action is part of a broader effort by 16 other attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Illinois. The suit argues that the executive order exceeds presidential authority by undermining funding that was lawfully approved by Congress. The plaintiffs seek a court order requiring the reinstatement of NEVI funds and resumption of program implementation across all participating states.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of the Maryland Attorney General

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