New Delhi: California and 15 other states sued the Trump administration on Wednesday, saying the federal government is illegally withholding billions in previously awarded funds to states for electric vehicle charging.

In February, the US Transportation Department said it was suspending the EV charging program and rescinding approval of state EV charging plans pending a new review.

The lawsuit, that also includes the District of Columbia, said the action "will devastate the ability of states to build the charging infrastructure necessary for making EVs accessible to more consumers, combating climate change, reducing other harmful pollution, and supporting the states' green economies."