January 12, 2026
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia ruled today that the administration violated the Constitution’s equal protection requirements when it cancelled hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants for clean, affordable energy and transportation projects based on the states in which the grantees were located. The DOE grants relied on Congressionally approved funding and were designed to save American families money, reduce air pollution, and protect people’s health.
The court concluded that the Department of Energy’s grant termination decisions violate the Fifth Amendment, which protects fundamental legal rights, including the right to equal protection under the law. The grant terminations were highly publicized on social media by members of the administration, who canceled grants only in states that did not vote for the current president.
“Plug In America is relieved by the court’s decision,” said Joel Levin, Plug In America’s executive director. “We look forward to continuing our important work of educating drivers and dealers about the benefits of electric vehicles. During this current affordability crisis, consumers need choices that help reduce their household transportation costs, reduce unhealthy pollution, and eliminate our reliance on foreign oil.”
About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States through education, advocacy and research. Formed in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information to consumers and dealerships about EVs through various programs, including National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth Month, PlugStar.com, and other public outreach events. Learn more at PlugInAmerica.org.
Media contact: Lindsey Perkins
