Contact: DOJCommunications@doj.state.wi.us
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today joined a coalition of 16 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for suspending two grant programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that would reduce pollution, expand access to clean vehicles, and create jobs.
“These grant programs are a win-win: they help create jobs and reduce emissions,” said AG Kaul. “The Trump administration should stop setting us back with its counterproductive attacks on clean energy.”
Without explanation or notice, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has not approved any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA): Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program (CFI) and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program.
In 2022, Congress passed IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the CFI and Accelerator programs are five-year programs created by IIJA for building or repairing EV chargers. USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration have refused all new obligations of funds under both programs since the spring of 2025.
In Wisconsin, the City of Milwaukee and Dane County, which together account for approximately 40% of the state’s electric vehicle ownership, received $14.9 million and $13.1 million respectively, through the CFI program. The funding supports electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling stations along public roads, at schools, in parks, and in accessible parking zones in Wisconsin’s most populous areas.
The loss of local-level CFI projects reduces the availability of EV charging and hydrogen fueling options.
The complaint alleges that the Trump administration’s refusal to spend the funds is unlawful because it violates the separation of powers and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The coalition asks the court to declare that the defendants’ actions are unlawful and to permanently stop the administration from withholding these funds.
Joining AG Kaul in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, and the Governor of Pennsylvania.
