Maryland Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against Trump’s EV Funding Block
Maryland, along with 15 other states, has filed a lawsuit challenging former President Donald Trump’s executive order that halts approximately $3 billion in federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This lawsuit, announced on Wednesday, marks an escalation in legal actions taken by Democratic-led states against Trump’s policies.
The suit targets the U.S. Department of Transportation, which it accuses of unlawfully withholding funding essential for developing a robust EV network. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized the significance of this funding, stating that it would provide $49 million crucial for expanding charging stations in the state. “Charging stations are vital for families transitioning to cleaner vehicles,” he stated.
This legal action specifically disputes Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, which intended to eliminate what the suit describes as a "fictional" EV mandate. It maintains that the order wrongfully directs the Federal Highway Administration to withhold congressionally appropriated funds, undermining efforts to reduce emissions and combat pollution.
Earlier this week, similar lawsuits resulted in a preliminary injunction against another Trump initiative aimed at limiting federal agency operations that support minority business development and library services. The injunction, granted by a federal judge in Rhode Island, prevented the dismantling of essential services crucial to local communities.
Maryland’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat actions perceived as harmful to environmental and social programs. The state has also joined lawsuits challenging federal cuts to health services and attempts at imposing voting restrictions.
As Maryland and its allies pursue this legal battle, they aim to safeguard funding critical to environmental goals and public welfare initiatives.
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