WASHINGTON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - A group of nine senators

on the Environment and Public Works Committee said on Tuesday

the Trump administration is illegally withholding $3 billion in

previously awarded funds to states for electric vehicle

charging.

On Thursday, the U.S. Transportation Department said it was

suspending the electric vehicle charging program and rescinding

approval of state EV charging plans pending a new review.

The Democratic senators on the committee led by Senator

Sheldon Whitehouse said the action was in "blatant disregard of

the law" and asked for any emails that would show if Trump

advisor Elon Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, was

involved in the decision.