⚖️ EV charging infrastructure funding unfrozen

NEVI Funding Guidance Released

After months of withholding $5 billion in funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the Trump administration has finally issued new guidance to states on how to access the money. The funding is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The delay followed a lawsuit by a coalition of states, which argued that the administration’s freeze was unlawful. A federal judge ruled in June that the states were likely to succeed, issuing an injunction against the spending freeze. As of May, the bulk of the funding remained unspent, with only a few dozen chargers constructed nationwide.

Shifts in Program Oversight

The newly released guidance reflects a significant shift in the administration’s oversight priorities. Key consumer protections, emergency planning requirements, and environmental siting mandates have been removed, simplifying the review process for states. Additionally, provisions encouraging equitable distribution in rural or disadvantaged communities, support for minority- and women-owned businesses, and labor and safety standards have been stripped from the program. From a legal and compliance standpoint, this signals a reduced regulatory burden for grant applicants, but also raises potential concerns around equity, safety, and long-term program accountability.

Strategic Takeaways

For startups and small businesses in the EV infrastructure or clean energy sectors, these changes have both opportunities and risks. On one hand, simplified requirements may accelerate project approval and deployment, enabling faster market entry. On the other, reduced focus on labor standards and minority-owned business inclusion could limit incentives for diverse partnerships and workforce development. Founders should carefully track state-level implementation rules, as each state may interpret the federal guidance differently. Proactively documenting compliance with any remaining safety, environmental, or labor standards will help startups mitigate potential liability while taking advantage of expedited funding opportunities.

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