A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration illegally suspended funding for electric vehicle charging stations, the decision representing an important victory for the 20 states led by Democrats that sued the federal government.

Judge Tana Lin of the federal court in Seattle has ruled that the administration of President Donald Trump illegally suspended funding for the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program), aimed at expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This ruling comes following a legal action initiated by 20 states led by Democrats and the District of Columbia, which accused the Department of Transportation (DOT) of an unjustified halt of funds. The judge emphasized that the DOT acted without following legal procedures and permanently prohibited the withdrawal of funds or the cancellation of approved plans for the development of charging networks. The NEVI program, worth $5 billion, is part of the 2021 infrastructure legislative package. The decision has been hailed by environmental groups as a victory for investments in clean energy. Judge Lin stated that blocking the funds defies the will of Congress. In this context, the U.S. Senate will review a bill that would redirect some of the funds for the EV charging network to other infrastructure priorities.