Congress to Set National Safety Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Amid Rising Fire Incidents in NYC

Dec 18, 2024, 02:01 PM

Congress is poised to pass legislation establishing national safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, a move spurred by the increasing number of fires caused by these batteries in New York City. The legislation, which has been included in the upcoming budget bill, requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to set federal standards for lithium-ion batteries. The initiative has been championed by New York lawmakers, including Representative Ritchie Torres, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, with support from the FDNY. The FDNY has reported 929 fires and 33 deaths linked to these batteries since 2019, particularly those used in e-bikes and scooters. The legislation aims to prevent the sale of uncertified batteries, which are often imported, and to allow for recalls of unsafe devices.