The Trump administration has finally released new guidance that unlocks $5 billion in electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding. States can now access the money after months of a freeze that stalled the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The funding halt sparked a lawsuit from a coalition of states, arguing the Department of Transportation (DOT) illegally withheld the cash. A federal judge agreed and issued an injunction in June against the spending freeze.
DOT, led by ex-MTV star Sean Duffy, pushed back, blaming slow state spending. By May, 84% of the funds authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law remained unused, and only a handful of chargers were installed. 
The administration claimed the freeze was a “review process” to align NEVI with its priorities. Monday’s new guidance reveals what that means: major rollbacks on requirements. States no longer must consider consumer protections, emergency plans, or environmental siting before starting work.
Critically, the rules removing mandates to build chargers in rural or disadvantaged communities are gone. Labor and safety training standards are no longer required. Plus, language urging opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses has been scrapped.
The DOT is clearly prioritizing speed and ease of deployment over equity and oversight.
Sean Duffy and the DOT issued the new guidance Monday.
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The move is certain to face scrutiny as states race to deliver on EV infrastructure while the administration pares back safeguards meant to promote fairness and safety.
