NATSO Asks FHWA Not to Allow Charging Stations, Natural Gas at Rest Areas

NATSO has asked the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to revise a provision that would allow a state government to establish electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations in the right of way of the Interstate System.
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NATSO has asked the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to revise a provision that would allow a state government to establish electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations in the right of way of the Interstate System.

NATSO submitted comments responding to to FHWA's guidance regarding the administration of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, an element of the larger federal-aid highway program.

FHWA should modify the provision in the guidance allowing electric charging stations or natural gas refueling since it is contrary to existing statutory language. NATSO pointed out in that "prior language does not say that such establishments can be put in the interstate right-of-way if the services are provided for free, it says that they cannot be placed where commercial establishments are prohibited."
 
Finally, NATSO told FHWA that "while it is always going to be unfair to ask private business to compete with a state supported enterprise, it is particularly unfair to the private sector if the state arranges to provide the service for no fee at all."

NATSO is hopeful that the  interim guidance reflects an oversight of the wording of the provision and can be corrected to prohibit electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas vehicle fueling services on the interstate right-of-way, whether for free or for payment.

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