House Passes H.R. 1797 to Regulate Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Standards, Prevent Fires

May 15, 2024, 10:43 PM

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1797, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, introduced by Rep. Ritchie Torres. The legislation aims to establish mandatory safety standards for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices to prevent fires, enhancing public safety. This move comes in response to numerous incidents in the Bronx and New York City, where poorly-manufactured lithium-ion batteries have caused catastrophic fires. The bill has garnered support from entities such as the FDNY and DCWP and will empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission to enforce these standards. It will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.