The U.S. Congress currently is considering legislation to authorize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop standards for lithium-ion batteries in micro mobility devices to make them fire safe. The IAFC asks that you contact your Senators using our Legislative Action Center and ask them to pass H.R. 1797, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.
Responding to lithium-ion battery fire incidents are a new and unique challenge for the fire and emergency service. Often, these battery fires result in much more than the loss of the device that they power. To prevent further damage, injury, and deaths from lithium-ion batteries in micro mobility devices, Congress must act and pass H.R. 1797. The bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate standards for lithium-ion batteries in micro mobility devices within one year to make them fire-safe. This urgent issue, if left unchecked, could lead to further unnecessary harm, death, and destruction.
The number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries found in micro mobility devices are on the rise in major metropolitan areas, such as New York City, and in mid-sized and small towns across the country.
Here are some examples:
- Since 1995, there have been 314 reported fatalities and 1,784 reported injuries to both firefighters and the public due to lithium-ion batteries found in micro mobility devices.
- In March 2021, the Harrisburg (PA) Bureau of Fire experienced a line of duty death due to a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries found in hoverboards.
- In March 2023, the Brighton (MI) Area Fire Authority experienced three fires in one week, which involved a plug-in hybrid, a cell phone battery, and a mobility-based device.
- During 2023, Houston (TX) experienced more than 60 fires involving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These fires included lithium-ion batteries in hoverboards, scooters, and motor vehicles.
- Gainesville (FL) experienced several fires due to devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, two of these fires involved surrounding structures and dwellings.
H.R. 1797 is supported by a broad coalition of organizations. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Consumer Reports, Grubhub, and DoorDash are members of our joint effort to pass this needed legislation. These organizations include representatives of the fire service, consumer protection organizations and industry users of these devices.
On May 15, H.R. 1797 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming total of 378 to 34. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reported the Senate companion to H.R. 1797 (S. 1008) on July 31. However, the IAFC recommends that the Senate pass H.R. 1797, because it already passed the House and would go straight to President Biden for signature.
IAFC members are invited to use the IAFC’s Legislative Action Center to contact their Senators and ask them to pass H.R. 1797, the e Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. Time is of the essence.
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