Overview
- The Federal Highway Administration proposed raising Buy America content for EV chargers from 55% to 100%, with any changes applying after a final rule is issued.
- A coalition of 20 attorneys general plus Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear submitted a comment letter arguing the agency lacks authority to exceed Congress’s 55% threshold using a waiver.
- The states say no fully domestic chargers are available and some critical components are not produced in the United States, rendering the $5 billion program unusable.
- California estimates about $460 million in planned state and local charging projects could be put at risk if the 100% requirement is finalized.
- The dispute comes after a January ruling that the administration unlawfully suspended EV charger funds, as advocacy groups warn the new proposal would again block deployment.