Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released new guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a transformative, $5 billion initiative created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The purpose of the NEVI Program is to build a robust, nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations along major corridors.
In February, the Trump administration froze the NEVI program, canceling state implementation plans and blocking access to more than $2.5 billion in funds already allocated for 2022–2025. Today’s guidance does nothing to reinstate those plans. Instead, it attempts to force states to resubmit them—along with plans for the program’s final year in 2026—further delaying the nationwide EV charging buildout.
In response to the new guidance issued by the Trump administration, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine García issued the following statement:
“It’s ironic that this guidance was sold as cutting red tape, yet all it has accomplished is more than half a year of needless delay. The guidance only restates requirements already in law, making clear that the real purpose of the Trump administration’s freeze was to try to stall electric vehicle momentum. While the Trump administration has moved away from anti-EV rhetoric in this guidance in response to federal litigation filed by over a dozen states, Sierra Club, and other nonprofit organizations, it is still illegally withholding billions Congress dedicated to EV charging. We will continue to work towards the recovery of nationwide NEVI funding.”
Background:
A coalition of environmental, consumer, and community organizations joined a challenge by states to the Trump administration’s unlawful and indefinite freeze of billions for NEVI. The coalition of organizations is seeking the nationwide restoration of NEVI funds to build EV charging stations along highways in every corner of the country.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.