SUN Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Blair, Everton [D-GA-13]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 9, 2026
Bottom line
This bill streamlines the deployment of modern infrastructure for clean energy, electric vehicles, and broadband by clarifying its permissible placement within existing federal highway corridors and empowering states to approve these projects.
What it actually does
This bill explicitly allows electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable energy generation facilities, electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, and broadband infrastructure to be placed within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways. It mandates that these facilities be treated similarly to other utilities already permitted under existing federal regulations, and it grants states the authority to approve such accommodations on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a critical step towards modernizing national infrastructure, accelerating the deployment of essential services like EV charging and high-speed internet by leveraging existing public land. They contend it reduces project costs and environmental impact by avoiding new land acquisition, making it easier and faster to build out critical networks.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns that expanding the types of facilities within highway rights-of-way could potentially increase highway maintenance costs, create new safety challenges for motorists and construction crews, or divert focus from the primary purpose of highways as transportation arteries. Some may also argue it could lead to an over-reliance on federal land for private commercial infrastructure.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making its core provisions very accessible for any reader to understand quickly.
Section 2(a) and 2(b)
Accommodation of Modern Infrastructure in Federal-Aid Highway Rights-of-Way
This provision clarifies that modern infrastructure, specifically electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy generation facilities, electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, and broadband internet infrastructure, are to be considered as facilities that can be accommodated within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways. It directs that these be treated under existing regulations for utility accommodation. Furthermore, it explicitly grants states the authority to approve the placement of these types of infrastructure on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a common-sense update to federal highway policy, allowing for efficient deployment of critical 21st-century infrastructure by utilizing existing public land corridors. This approach avoids costly and time-consuming land acquisition processes, thereby speeding up the delivery of essential services to communities nationwide.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that expanding the types of facilities allowed in highway rights-of-way could lead to increased congestion during construction, potential safety hazards for motorists and maintenance crews, or could detract from the primary purpose of highways as transportation arteries. Concerns could also be raised about the long-term maintenance responsibilities and potential visual impacts.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between the need for rapid deployment of modern infrastructure and the existing considerations for highway safety, maintenance, and the primary function of transportation corridors. It aims to leverage public land efficiently but introduces new types of installations into these spaces.