Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Oregon’s New EV Charging Network as State Joins Lawsuit to Force Release of Money

Oregon’s collaboration with neighboring California and Washington to build  $102 million electric and hydrogen charging stations along key freight corridors is jeopardized by the Trump administration’s decision to freeze the funding.

Yesterday, Oregon joined its neighbors and 14 other states in a legal battle to order the federal government to release the Congress-approved funding to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure along major freight routes.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield states in a news statement that the federal government funding freeze is creating uncertainty among contractors, workers, and local communities, with its decision to withhold the money.

Rayfield says that freight corridors keep local economies on the move, and that the tri-state multi-million-dollar project will create jobs and attract private investment. It will also modernize transportation corridors, reduce pollution, and support a growing demand for electric vehicles.

Oregon’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program

While Oregon’s lawsuit may be abstract, its impact is concrete.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program threatens to jeopardize the first set of fast-charger sites that the state has queued for early 2026 in Happy Valley, Gladstone, Cottage Grove, Roseburg, Wolf Creek, and Medford, at a cost of $32.3 million.

Over the next five years, the NEVI program will establish a network of public EV charging stations along interstates and highways in all 50 states.

Oregon has secured $52 million in funding to install and upgrade 50 public EV fast-charging stations. As part of the program, contracted private companies are required to contribute at least 20% in matching funds.

First Phase NEVI Fast-Charging Stations

Last month, the state signed grant agreements with private contractors to install fast-charging EV stations along Interstate 205 and I-5, south of Eugene. The first of these stations is planned to be operational in the first six months of 2026.

The stations are at Fred Meyer in Happy Valley and the 76 gas station in Gladstone. The EV stations are near restrooms and shopping facilities, and will feature security cameras and overhead lighting.

The Interstate 5 project south of Eugene will have four EV stations at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Cottage Grove, Roseburg Marketplace in Roseburg, Sagwal Gas Station in Wolf Creek, and WinCo in Medford.

The new charging stations will feature accessible parking for people with disabilities, overhead lighting, convenient restrooms, and nearby food options.

In the second phase of the NEVI program, Oregon has designated Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20, 26, 97, and 101. These stations will have parking accessible to the disabled, overhead lighting, convenient restrooms, and food outlets.

Vehicles are responsible for 35%  Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of more EV charging stations will reduce that footprint. At present, Oregon is on track to reduce transportation emissions by 60% by 2050.