RECHARGE Act

This bill would let states place electric vehicle charging stations for passenger cars at highway rest areas. It keeps the general ban on commercial services at rest areas, except for what’s needed to run the chargers.

It also updates related laws: it clarifies wording in a clean air program about natural gas refueling stations, and changes “Jason’s Law” language by removing electric vehicle charging from that part, focusing it on other needs. The bill says it isn’t making a statement about any existing presidential or agency powers under current highway law.

• Who is affected: Drivers of passenger cars, states, and rest area operators. What changes: EV chargers can be installed at Interstate rest areas, but no new commercial services beyond what’s needed for charging. When: Takes effect by changing federal law upon enactment.