UNPLUG EVs Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1052

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Last Updated

2025-03-27T08:06:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Undoing Nationwide Programs and Limiting Unnecessary Grants for Electric Vehicles Act" (or "UNPLUG EVs Act"), aims to cancel unspent federal funds allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging and fueling infrastructure programs. By rescinding these unobligated balances, the bill redirects the money to the U.S. Treasury's general fund specifically to reduce the federal budget deficit.

Key Provisions

• Rescission of Charging and Fueling Grant Funds (Section 2): Cancels all unspent (unobligated) funds previously appropriated under section 151(f) of title 23, United States Code, which supports grants for EV charging and alternative fueling stations along highways.
• Rescission of National Electric Vehicle Formula Program Funds (Section 3): Cancels all unspent funds allocated to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), which provides formula-based grants to states for building EV charging networks.
• The rescinded funds must be deposited into the Treasury's general fund solely for deficit reduction, with no other uses allowed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill modifies prior appropriations by eliminating unobligated balances from two specific EV infrastructure programs established in recent laws (title 23, U.S. Code, and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act).
• It does not alter the underlying programs' authorization or structure but reduces their available funding by reclaiming uncommitted money, effectively scaling back federal support for EV expansion without repealing the programs entirely.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (including the Federal Highway Administration) will lose access to these funds, potentially delaying or halting ongoing EV infrastructure projects. The Treasury benefits from deficit reduction, which could lower overall federal borrowing.
• On Citizens: EV owners and potential buyers may face fewer public charging options, slowing the adoption of electric vehicles in certain areas and increasing reliance on private or home charging. Taxpayers could see indirect benefits through reduced federal spending and deficit pressure.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may signal reduced U.S. commitment to global EV and clean energy goals, potentially affecting diplomatic efforts on climate initiatives like those under the Paris Agreement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Congress (via appropriations committees), Department of Transportation, and Treasury Department, as they manage funding and deficit.
• State and Local Governments: Recipients of formula grants for EV infrastructure, who may need to seek alternative funding for projects.
• EV Industry and Users: Manufacturers, charging station developers, and EV drivers, who rely on federal grants to expand networks.
• Taxpayers and General Public: Benefit from deficit reduction but may experience slower progress on environmental goals like reducing emissions through EV promotion.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Exercises Congress's constitutional power under Article I, Section 9 to control appropriations and rescind unspent funds, but it could face challenges if states argue it impairs vested contract rights from prior grants (though unobligated funds are typically fair game for rescission).
• Constitutional: Aligns with the spending clause (Article I, Section 8), allowing Congress to direct federal funds, but highlights tensions between fiscal conservatism and prior legislative commitments to infrastructure and clean energy.
• Political: Reflects partisan divides on EV policies, with sponsors (primarily Republican members) prioritizing deficit reduction over green energy investments; it may influence future debates on climate funding and could prompt veto threats or amendments in a divided Congress.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-02-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-02-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-02-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-02-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Undoing Nationwide Programs and Limiting Unnecessary Grants for Electric Vehicles Act — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (2 pages)