RECHARGE Act

Bill: 119-s-2653
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2025-08-01
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Latest action: action_date: 2025-08-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2653 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 1, 2025 Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL 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.

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.