The National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA) and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) are urging lawmakers to reject the Recharge Act, legislation introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) that would allow electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at public interstate rest areas.
The associations argue that the bill threatens private investment in EV charging infrastructure by weakening a decades-old federal law that prohibits the sale of fuel, food and other automotive services at rest areas.
The law promotes business development at off-highway exits. Industry stakeholders say this model has helped spur investment in truck stops, travel centers, convenience stores, restaurants and other roadside services. They argue that allowing EV chargers at state-operated rest areas would tilt the playing field in favor of government-run locations that don’t face the same market pressures.
“The Recharge Act will not boost the number of EV charging stations available to drivers but rather will inject a nationwide hurdle that discourages the development of a safe and reliable EV charging network,” said David Fialkov, executive vice president of government affairs for NATSO and SIGMA.
Fialkov urged Congress to instead focus on policies that empower private sector development of EV infrastructure, noting that fuel retailers remain committed to expanding charging networks.
NACS echoed those concerns, saying allowing EV charging at rest areas would hinder competition and stall the growth of charging access.
“EV drivers should have competitive places to recharge just like we have competitive places to refuel,” said Matt Durand, deputy general counsel for NACS. “If we commercialize rest areas, it will undermine the dynamics that have helped build a refueling network and permanently put EV charging at a disadvantage—exactly the opposite of what the proponents of this bill want.”
The Recharge Act comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released Interim Final Guidance on the implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. That guidance recommends locating EV chargers where the site host also owns the charger, a move supported by industry groups who say it will encourage private investment and ensure well-maintained facilities.
Fuel retailers, many of whom are working directly with state transportation departments, have already begun deploying EV fast-charging stations at sites near highway exits. These locations often offer restrooms, food, security and other amenities that travelers seek during 20- to 30-minute charging sessions.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) directs state DOTs to collaborate with private industry to build out a national charging network, and it does not include provisions permitting EV charging at rest areas.
In response to the Recharge Act, a coalition of fuel retailers, restaurants, blind entrepreneurs, local governments and other businesses sent a letter to senators urging them to oppose the legislation.
According to NATSO, thousands of fueling locations already exist within a mile of highway exits and are well-positioned to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The associations maintain that continuing to support private sector-led charging investments is the most effective way to scale access and promote long-term reliability.
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