Rep. Torres Introduces Safety Standards Bill for Lithium-Ion Batteries

By Hamodia Staff

Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced Tuesday that he is introducing legislation to regulate lithium-ion batteries, as fires related to the devices, sometimes deadly, continue to occur nationwide.

The “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act” would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters and bikes, to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries.

 “We were reminded yet again this past weekend of the escalating threat lithium-ion batteries poses to the public’s safety,” said Torres. “I’m grateful to the hundreds of first responders who continue to bravely respond to these incidents and do all they can to save lives and property, but the time has come for the federal government to act because this problem is not isolated to just New York. We must work to create and implement national safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in order to protect people and places from unreasonable risk, serious injury or damage, and/or death.”

 In New York City alone, the FDNY reports that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 400 fires over the last four years, resulting in more than 300 injuries, 12 deaths, and damage to more than 320 structures and more than 100 non-structures.

The most recent example took place Sunday, March 5, at a Bronx supermarket and food plaza after fire officials say a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powering an e-scooter exploded, causing a massive five-alarm fire that injured seven people, including first responders, and caused significant property damage to several businesses.

 “Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly dangerous, and as we have seen time and time again, they present unique safety risks to the public and our members,” said NYC Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We’re grateful to our partners in government for joining us in attacking this problem from all angles, and we will continue to beat the drum on safe usage and best practices of these devices to help prevent tragedies in the future.”