McLean, Va. – The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to pass the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 1797). This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices. These new standards also cover equipment such as battery chargers, charging cables, external terminals, and freestanding charging stations. The bill must now be considered in the U.S. Senate, where there is companion legislation (S. 1008).
H.R. 1797 is important to fire safety. It will create standards to ensure that micromobility devices can be charged safely in homes and residences. Many fire departments across the nation are seeing a rising trend in fires caused by charging lithium-ion batteries. The bill represents a first step in making lithium-ion batteries safe in an important sub-component of their market.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is proud to be an early supporter of this legislation. In addition, the IAFC has sponsored educational programs for firefighters related to the recognition, response operations, safety, post-incident management, and public education surrounding fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
“This legislation is the first step in making this innovative technology fire-safe,” remarked Fire Chief John S. Butler, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “I would like to personally thank Representative Ritchie Torres, the sponsor of this legislation, for his steadfast leadership. We very much appreciate this assistance at the federal level that will help firefighters and the public. The IAFC looks forward to collaborating with our supporters in the Senate to ensure final passage of this bill.”
The IAFC also thanks Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Yvette Clarke, Patrick Ryan, Jamaal Bowman, Anthony D’Esposito, Adriano Espaillat, and Daniel Goldman, the legislation’s original cosponsors, and Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Frank Pallone, the chair and ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, for their efforts to pass this historic legislation.