A federal bill aimed at improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in micro mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, which have caused fires resulting in deaths, is being stalled in the Senate by Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz opposes the bill due to his concerns about the Biden Administration’s alleged campaign against gas stoves. The bill has bipartisan support and is backed by firefighter unions. Despite efforts to address Cruz’s concerns, the bill remains in limbo, delaying crucial safety standards for these batteries. The issue highlights the intersection of safety regulations, political dynamics, and public safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion battery fires.
The Federal bill that aims to address the rising trend of e-bike battery fires in New York City, which has resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals over the past four years, is currently facing a roadblock in the Senate. The bill, supported by the FDNY, seeks to mandate safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and related chargers that power micro mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. However, the bill has been stalled due to an amendment introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, who is critical of what he perceives as the Biden Administration’s efforts to ban gas stoves.
The House version of the bill, led by Rep. Ritchie Torres, has garnered bipartisan support and was passed in May. The Senate version also has bipartisan backing, including Senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Marsha Blackburn, and Mike Braun. Despite the expected swift passage in the Senate, Cruz’s amendment has put the bill on hold, as it aims to limit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) authority to regulate battery safety.
The FDNY has observed a significant increase in battery-related fires since 2019, particularly due to the rise in e-bike usage during the pandemic. These fires have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, prompting the need for stricter safety regulations. The bill seeks to address the proliferation of uncertified and poorly made batteries that pose a danger to consumers. Stakeholders such as fire chiefs, consumer groups, and food delivery platforms support the bill’s efforts to establish mandatory safety standards for battery manufacturers.
The primary point of contention revolves around the CPSC’s authority to modify safety standards as technology evolves. While supporters argue that this flexibility is necessary to adapt to changing circumstances, Cruz and other critics are concerned about giving the agency too much power, citing previous regulatory actions by the CPSC, such as proposed restrictions on gas stoves. Cruz’s amendment aims to restrict the CPSC’s ability to update standards without prior approval, which has led to a deadlock in moving the bill forward.
Efforts to reach a compromise and address Cruz’s concerns have been ongoing, but progress has been slow. The bill’s sponsors continue to advocate for its passage, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further battery-related incidents. Despite the challenges, the commitment to improving battery safety and protecting consumers remains steadfast among stakeholders, including firefighting authorities who are at the forefront of responding to these emergencies.
As the bill remains in limbo, the risk of battery fires persists, underscoring the importance of swift legislative action. Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn highlighted recent incidents in New York City, illustrating the potential dangers posed by uncertified batteries. The urgency to raise awareness and ensure the safety of individuals nationwide underscores the critical need for comprehensive battery safety regulations.
Source: TheCity.NYC
