Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general and the governor of Kentucky in calling on March 19 for the Federal Highway Administration to withdraw a proposal that would require electric vehicle chargers funded with federal dollars to be made entirely from U.S. components.
The group argues that the proposed rule, which would increase the domestic content requirement for federally funded electric vehicle (EV) chargers from 55% to 100%, sets a standard that manufacturers are currently unable to meet. This issue is significant because it could affect the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across states, including Illinois, and potentially halt projects that rely on federal funding.
Raoul said, “This is the Trump administration’s latest arbitrary and capricious attempt to stop the momentum of our clean energy transition that has rightfully been supported by Congress. This is an unrealistic standard, which is why my colleagues and I are urging the Federal Highway Administration to withdraw the proposal and maintain the current approach, which supports both domestic manufacturing and the timely deployment of EV charging infrastructure nationwide.”
According to Raoul and his colleagues’ comment letter, raising the requirement to 100% would conflict with federal law, exceed agency authority, and disrupt investments already made under existing rules. States like Illinois use programs such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program to expand their networks. The coalition warns that no chargers currently meet a full domestic component standard, so many projects could be stopped if this change goes into effect.
The attorneys general also point out that manufacturers and states have invested significantly based on current requirements, which gradually increase domestic content up to 55%. Changing these standards abruptly could undermine those investments and slow growth in U.S.-based EV charger manufacturing.
Raoul’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities and advocating for environmental issues according to its official website, extends advocacy efforts statewide according to its official website, partners with law enforcement agencies according to its official website, and offers services such as complaint filing for consumer fraud or civil rights concerns according to its official website.
Joining Raoul in sending this letter were attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.
