The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is moving forward with plans to shut down 8,000 federally operated EV chargers, marking a drastic shift in sustainability policy. The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees federal buildings and services and has begun notifying agencies that their charging stations will be decommissioned, citing a lack of necessity for their continued operation. This shift reverses previous efforts to expand the U.S. government’s commitment to sustainable transportation. At the same time, DOGE is facing internal turmoil as 21 engineers, designers, and technology managers have resigned in protest, accusing the agency of undermining government tech services rather than improving them.
This dual crisis—cutting EV infrastructure while losing key tech talent—raises concerns about the future of federal sustainability programs and digital governance. The decision follows policy shifts under the Trump administration, which has deprioritized government-led sustainability projects.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
EV Charging Network Decommissioned Nationwide
The GSA has instructed regional offices to prepare for the removal of federally funded EV chargers, effectively cutting access to charging infrastructure across government buildings. This decision directly opposes previous policies under the Biden administration, which sought to transition federal fleets to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Internal documents reveal that agencies have been told to halt maintenance contracts, remove infrastructure, and shut down active charging stations in phases over the next few months.
Though the GSA has not confirmed the exact shutdown schedule, sources indicate that some federal locations may lose access to EV chargers as soon as next week. Critics argue that these cuts will discourage the adoption of electric vehicles within government fleets, making it harder for federal agencies to meet sustainability targets. Environmental advocacy groups have voiced concerns that this move will stall progress on reducing transportation-related emissions within government agencies.
DOGE Employees Resign in Protest
As the agency works to dismantle parts of its sustainability programs, DOGE also sees an exodus of employees. A group of 21 tech workers resigned simultaneously, stating they could no longer support the agency’s direction under Elon Musk’s influence. The resignations include software engineers, designers, and project managers who were originally part of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) before being absorbed into DOGE.
In a resignation letter obtained by the Associated Press, the employees criticized the agency for prioritizing cost-cutting over efficiency. They claimed that rather than improving government services, DOGE was dismantling programs critical to modernizing public sector technology. Several former employees specifically cited political influence from Musk, arguing that the agency had shifted its focus away from tech innovation and toward dismantling projects for ideological reasons.
Musk dismissed the resignations as “irrelevant,” while the Trump administration framed them as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal workforce. DOGE leadership stated that the agency is not concerned with the resignations, asserting that the focus remains on ensuring efficiency and eliminating unnecessary government spending.
While some observers believe the resignations will have little immediate impact, others argue that losing experienced tech workers will weaken the government’s ability to implement modern digital solutions. The loss of key personnel could slow down projects related to cybersecurity, government data management, and digital services for federal agencies.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The decision to dismantle EV infrastructure and allow key technology staff to resign raises questions about the long-term impact on government sustainability and digital modernization. With federal agencies forced to navigate reduced access to electric vehicle charging, employees who relied on these stations for work-related travel may face increased logistical challenges.
At the same time, DOGE’s internal struggles highlight growing concerns over political interference in government technology initiatives. If these resignations continue, the government could struggle to retain talent and maintain critical digital services. The response from Congress, watchdog organizations, and environmental groups may determine whether these policies remain in place or face resistance.
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