Responding to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries is becoming all too common place in today’s day and age. Hopefully, with the recent actions of Congress, help is on the way. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill that can help prevent these fires from causing any further harm.
H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 365 - 42. This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate federal safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in micromobility devices.
"I am thankful that the U.S. House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to pass the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 973), said Fire Chief Josh Waldo, the President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "I thank Representative Ritchie Torres, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chairman Brett Guthrie, and Ranking Member Pallone for their leadership in passing this critical legislation to set fire safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and their charging elements in e-mobility devices. We look forward to working with our allies to pass this legislation in the Senate.”
In March, the bill’s Senate companion, S. 389, unanimously passed the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. It now awaits consideration by the full United States Senate. Finally, The IAFC looks forward to working with our supporters in the Senate to ensure final passage of this much needed fire safety legislation.