August 1, 2025
Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
To amend title 23, United States Code, to permit the use of certain electric vehicle charging stations at rest areas on the Interstate System, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Recharge your Electric Car on the Highway to Alleviate Range Gaps Effectively Act
or the RECHARGE Act
.
Sec. 2. Use of and access to rest areas on the Interstate System for electric vehicle charging stations
(a) In general
Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Electric vehicle charging stations
(1) In general
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall permit, consistent with section 109(s), electric vehicle charging infrastructure for passenger automobiles (as defined in section 32901(a) of title 49) at rest areas on the Interstate System.
(2) Savings clause
Nothing in this subsection permits commercial activities on rights-of-way on the Interstate System except as necessary for the charging of electric vehicles in accordance with this subsection.
(b) Conforming amendments
(1) Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
Section 149(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
by striking such stations
and inserting such natural gas vehicle refueling stations
; and
(B)
by striking of title 23, United States Code
.
(2) Jason's Law
Section 1401(d)(2) of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (23 U.S.C. 137 note; Public Law 112–141) is amended by striking Electric vehicle battery charging stations or natural
and inserting Natural
.
(c) Congressional intent
Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act is intended as a statement of congressional intent with respect to the existing authority of the President or any other Federal agency under section 111 of title 23, United States Code.