ODOT’s EV charging network on hold after Trump’s freeze order

 

A freeze on federal grants and loans ordered by President Donald Trump’s budget office has Oklahoma leaders wondering about the impact.

So has an earlier order affecting green energy project funding created by the Biden administration.  Electric vehicle charging networks could be affected and some states aren’t sure if they will receive continued funding for the creation of the projects.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation confirmed its EV funding is on hold.

“Yes, it’s on hold, and ODOT is awaiting on guidance and instruction from the federal agency on how to proceed,” stated T.J.Gerlach, ODOT Communications in response to an OK Energy Today inquiry.

However, minutes before the freeze was to take effect late Tuesday, a federal judge intervened and temporarily blocked the President’s order until Monday. The order from U.S. District judge Loren L. AliKhan lasts until Monday afternoon and applies only to existing programs.

The state’s Transportation Commissioners voted in December 2024 to award a contract to EVgo for construction of a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI network along Interstate 44. EVgo won the award for a total of $519,740.

The Biden administration had set aside $5 billion for the NEVI program and Oklahoma’s intended share from 2022 to 2026 was supposed to be $66 million.

Other states expressed concern after their federal funding to help build their network of public EV chargers was frozen and possibly targeted for reduction or even elimination. As reported, EVs and the proposed charging networks apparently are prime targets of the Trump administration’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order.

Adding  to the misery for some was the budget office’s order on Monday to temporarily block grants and loans outside of those for Social Security, Medicare and other programs offering direct aid to individuals.

One state official who responded to the order was Rep. Cyndi Munson, the House Democratic leader from Oklahoma City. She called Tuesday on the Oklahoma Federal Delegation to stop the order.

“Since the announcement from the White House budget office, I have heard several concerns from my constituents about the future of funding of critical programs that serve Oklahomans,” Leader Munson said.

“This is a perfect time for our Federal Delegation and State Leaders to show leadership and put Oklahomans first, not the President’s political agenda. The programs impacted by this freeze in funds include Medicaid, school breakfast and lunch programs, education grants, childcare, Head Start, and SNAP just to name a few. The potential pause of these programs should be of great concern to every lawmaker committed to prioritizing their constituents over partisan politics. I encourage all Oklahomans to contact your congressperson and our two United States Senators to protect these programs and ultimately the future of Oklahomans who depend on them.”

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