112 S2653 IS: Recharge your Electric Car on the Highway to Alleviate Range Gaps Effectively Act U.S. Senate 2025-08-01 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II119th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2653IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 1, 2025Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo 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.

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.

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.