Judge Rules EV Charger Funding Must Flow to States

Washington state just won back $71 million for electric vehicle chargers after a federal judge ruled the government can't legally block money Congress already approved.

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin delivered her final ruling Friday, permanently barring the Department of Transportation from interfering with funding that states were promised under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The decision affects a $5 billion national program designed to build charging stations across America.

The trouble started in February when the administration suddenly canceled approved plans and froze funds that states were counting on. Washington had already accepted applications to install chargers along major highways including Interstate 90 and Highway 97, but everything stalled when the money disappeared.

Judge Lin didn't mince words in her decision. She wrote that the administration "yanked the program's cord out of the outlet," forcing states to scrap months of careful planning work. She called the move "capricious" and a clear violation of federal administrative law.

The Ripple Effect

This ruling does more than restore one state's funding. It sets a legal precedent protecting infrastructure investments that communities are already building around. The decision ensures that when Congress approves money for public projects, states can move forward with confidence.

Washington drivers have embraced electric vehicles faster than most of the country. State law requires all new passenger cars sold by 2035 to be plug-in hybrid or fully electric, making the charging network essential infrastructure rather than optional luxury.

The restored funding will now support charging stations along five major highways, filling gaps that currently make long-distance electric travel challenging. These aren't just amenities for wealthy coastal cities. They're critical infrastructure for rural communities and long-haul routes where charging options remain scarce.

Attorney General Nick Brown's office celebrated the decision as "a resounding win for the rule of law and for smart investment in our clean energy future." More importantly, it's a win for predictable government that honors its commitments.

The ruling ensures work can resume on projects that create jobs, reduce emissions, and make electric vehicles practical for more people across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.