Oklahoma is like nearly every other state that received huge sums of federal government funding from the Biden administration to expand charging networks supporting the U.S. electric vehicle industry. To challenge or not to challenge.
They are in limbo whether the money will actually be available or remain suspended by the Donald Trump administration. Limbo after the White House last week issued an executive order last week to halt payments under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.
Whether Oklahoma will join possible legal challenges to the President’s actions is another matter. But some states are expected to challenge the free because they believe federal agencies cannot legally hold back money authorized by Congress.
OK EnergyToday reported earlier this week that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s December 2024 approval of a contract for the installation of an EV charging network in the state is on hold.
We’re not talking about a small amount of money. ODOT allocated $9 million last summer to begin construction of the first phase of charging stations at 13 sites along the I-35, I-40 and I-44 corridors. Upon completion the remaining funds, totaling $66 million over five years were to be made available to the state.
Tesla was originally selected in April 2024 for the charging stations but it was later determined the firm could not meet program standards along I-44 in Oklahoma City so the contract went to EVgo.
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