California and 15 other states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging the illegal withholding of billions of dollars designated for the building of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The U.S. Transportation Department suspended the EV charging program earlier this year and rescinded approval of state plans for review. Senate Democrats claim that President Donald Trump is holding over $3 billion from the program, which was approved under former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The lawsuit, supported by states like New York, New Jersey, and Colorado, aims to challenge the administration’s decision, highlighting the impact on states’ efforts to expand EV infrastructure and combat climate change.

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy refrained from immediate comment. The article also mentions a plea from a group representing automakers and EV charging companies to swiftly restore funding. Trump’s policy shifts since taking office have steered away from clean energy initiatives promoted by the Biden administration, favoring a return to coal-fired power plants and increased domestic oil exploration. His actions include halting government funds for vehicle charging stations and revoking Biden’s order to ensure half of new vehicles sold in the U.S. are electric by 2030. Trump’s stance also opposes state zero-emission vehicle rules and funding for high-speed rail projects in California. The ongoing legal battle underscores the clash between different administrations’ approaches to environmental and energy policies.