The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has shared how on April 8, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (H.R. 973) Sponsored by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY).
This legislation would instruct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices. These batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards.
Chief Josh Waldo, President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs shared: “I am delighted to see that the House Energy and Commerce Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Guthrie, has voted to advance the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.
“Enacting this legislation is the first step to preventing these dangerous batteries from wounding any more American citizens.
“For far too long, members of the fire service have had to deal with these dangerous and toxic fires. It is time for this harm and destruction to come to an end.”
The IAFC has shared its perspective on how the fire service continues to struggle with this problem, not only in major metropolitan areas, but across our nation.
These fires, which commonly begin inside apartments or houses, begin at an alarming rate of speed and create a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. When the individual cells in these batteries become unstable, they can create fire that can cause harm, injury or even death to those close to these devices.
Lithium-ion battery fires also can give off gaseous toxic smoke which can affect anyone inhaling these fumes. The toxicity is so high that when a firefighter’s turnout gear is exposed, it cannot be cleaned and disinfected: it must be completely replaced.
The United States Senate also recently acted on its companion legislation, S. 389. This legislation is being led by Senator Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY).
The IAFC has stated how it appreciates the hard work of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Transportation and Space to unanimously advance this bill out of their committee. The next and final steps for both bills are to receive consideration in front of their full respective chambers.
Last year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly advanced this bill by a vote of 378-34. The IAFC has announced it is hopeful that a similar result will be seen when it receives another vote on the House floor.
For too many years, representatives of the fire service and American citizens have suffered while dealing with these fires. The IAFC has concluded by urging the House and Senate to consider this legislation swiftly and send it to President Trump’s desk.
The IAFC has highlighted how the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Battery Act has been advanced by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee on April 8.
