The UNPLUG EVs Act would take back (rescind) any unused federal funds that were set aside to support EV charging and fueling grants and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Specifically, it targets unobligated balances from: (1) charging and fueling grants authorized under 23 U.S.C. §151(f) and (2) the NEVI Formula Program funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The rescinded funds would be deposited into the general fund of the U.S. Treasury to be used for deficit reduction. In short, the bill reduces federal dollars available for EV charging infrastructure projects and for the NEVI program, redirecting those funds to reduce the national deficit rather than to support ongoing or planned EV infrastructure.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act is called the Undoing Nationwide Programs and Limiting Unnecessary Grants for Electric Vehicles Act (UNPLUG EVs Act).
- 2Primary action: Rescinds unobligated balances (unspent but authorized funds) for charging and fueling grants under 23 U.S.C. §151(f).
- 3Secondary action: Rescinds unobligated balances for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program under IIJA, via the Federal Highway Administration.
- 4Fund destination: The rescinded amounts are deposited into the general fund of the U.S. Treasury for deficit reduction (i.e., to reduce the national shortfall, not to fund new programs).
- 5Effect scope: Applies to funds already appropriated or made available for these programs but not yet obligated to specific projects.
- 6Legislative path: Introduced in the House, referred to Appropriations and the committees with jurisdiction over Energy & Commerce and Transportation & Infrastructure; no passage indicated.
- 7Policy implication: Signals a shift away from federal investment in EV charging infrastructure and NEVI toward deficit reduction.