Trump Executive Orders Stall Area EV Charging Projects
Michael Oliss | Contributing Writer
Nearly two months after President Trump signed an executive order targeting electric vehicles, the future of Dayton’s plans for infrastructure enhancement remains unknown, even to those pioneering the project.
The future of Dayton’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure expansion is now uncertain following a recent executive order from President Donald Trump that revokes key incentives supporting the growth of EVs. Local officials and project partners have remained silent on how this policy change will impact the city’s plans, leaving the community in a state of confusion.
In 2023, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), in partnership with the City of Dayton, secured a $12.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was designated to install 26 new EV charging stations in the greater Dayton area. The project aimed to add approximately 200 Level 2 charging ports and 30 Level 3 fast-charging ports, according to a City of Dayton press release.
This would be a significant enhancement to the region’s EV infrastructure.
The city’s Office of Sustainability began groundwork in 2022 by mapping existing charging stations, identifying service gaps, and conducting community meetings to gather input on potential charger locations. The city’s electric vehicle infrastructure analysis – which was approved in 2023 – outlines these efforts and suggests multi-unit housing and city-owned properties as likely installation sites.
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order revoking several (President Joe) Biden-era incentives that supported the growth of electric vehicles. This order aims to remove regulatory barriers and promote consumer choice. The executive order would also remove key climate-focused policies, including the goal for EVs to comprise half of new car sales by 2030 and provisions allowing states such as California to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035.
The order also targets the $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and halts funding for EV charging stations from recent federal climate laws, potentially pulling the rug out from under Dayton officials’ plans.
The executive order has raised concerns about the future of federally supported EV infrastructure projects nationwide. Specific details about its effects on ongoing projects, such as Dayton’s planned charging stations, remain unknown.
Flyer News reached out to a representative of SOPEC, who responded with the following: “We are not providing further comments to the media at this time. We are currently monitoring the situation and preparing to be as responsive as possible to any relevant changes and impacts.”
A representative from the City of Dayton had a similar response: “As of right now, we are still trying to understand how the executive orders may effect our grants.”
Multiple attempts to reach Ohio Department of Transportation officials and representatives from the White House have gone unanswered. This lack of communication from federal and state officials, combined with local leaders’ own confusion surrounding the executive order, leaves several critical questions unanswered; without official updates, it remains uncertain whether Dayton’s EV charging expansion will proceed as planned or be stalled by the new federal policy.
The silence from officials has led to growing concerns among Dayton residents and EV advocates. The planned infrastructure was not just about convenience for current EV drivers but also about preparing the city for a sustainable future and ensuring equitable access to clean transportation options for all Daytonians, although Dayton is far from the only city affected.
The executive order has broader implications beyond Dayton’s plans for EV charging stations. It represents a significant shift in federal policy, prioritizing fossil fuels over clean energy and environmental protections. On his first day in office, President Trump declared a national energy emergency to boost fossil fuel production, withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, and reversed numerous policies aimed at combating climate change.
These actions have sparked outrage from climate advocates, scientists, and environmentalists, who argue Trump’s actions will harm public health, exacerbate the climate crisis, and primarily benefit fossil fuel companies. The auto industry remains divided; some manufacturers might welcome relaxed regulations, while others could express concern about losing the incentives necessary to promote EV adoption. For now, however, most corporations are as silent on the issue as the government.
The uncertainty surrounding Dayton’s EV charging project highlights the challenges cities face when federal policies shift abruptly. Almost two months after the order was signed, Dayton awaits clarification from local officials on how Trump’s actions will impact the planned infrastructure. The situation Dayton faces underscores the importance of transparent and honest communication between the powers and the public. Without real communication between federal, state, and local governments, citizens are left wondering about the efficiency and accountability of the entities their taxes fund.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Oliss produced this story as a student in CMM 338 (Reporting).