US Unlocks Frozen EV Charging Funds - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the recent unfreezing of funds allocated by the U.S. Congress for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which aims to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Initially, when the current administration took office, it froze these funds to reassess the program’s requirements, particularly those related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and prevailing wage mandates for contractors. Critics viewed this freeze as politically motivated, opposing provisions that ensured fair wages and support for marginalized communities. The funds, totaling $5 billion, are distributed to states through formula funding, contingent on states submitting detailed plans to the Federal Highway Administration. Several states, led by California, challenged the freeze legally, arguing it was unlawful. A court sided with the states, issuing a preliminary injunction against the freeze. Subsequently, on August 11, the government released the funds and introduced new guidelines that reduce regulatory requirements, such as environmental and consumer protections, emergency planning, and mandates to build charging stations in rural or disadvantaged areas. These