Rep. Panetta Authors and Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Safe Battery and Energy Storage

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Better Energy Storage and Safety (BESS) Act. Co-led by Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10), this bipartisan legislation would allow the federal government to implement critical improvements to ensure safe energy storage, including by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct robust energy storage safety research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities within its energy storage programs.

The bill would expand on existing authorizations to conduct RD&D activities on battery system failure. This would include improving early detection methods and preventative techniques to reduce risks of fires or explosions like at Moss Landing, while promoting research on the causes of battery failure.

"As we continue to move towards renewable energy, we must ensure that the corresponding and critical technology is safe and secure," said Rep. Panetta. "Although state-level public utility commissions have the authority and are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable energy service, my bipartisan bill would allow the federal government to make necessary improvements for the research, development, and testing of critical battery storage and clean energy systems. As we strive to reduce our carbon output with clean energy facilities, including battery storage, I believe the federal government has a role to play to ensure the safety and protection of our environment and communities."

"Energy storage is a critical piece of America's energy future, and we have to make sure we are building it on a foundation that is safe and reliable. These systems are going into homes, onto the grid, and into communities across the country, and right now our testing and safety standards have not kept pace with how fast the technology is moving. This bill closes that gap, puts the right agencies to work on the hard problems, and makes sure we are stress-testing these systems before failures happen in the field, not after," said Rep. Harrigan.

Additionally, the BESS Act would:

• Authorize $30 million per year for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031 to conduct energy storage safety activities.
• Improve coordination between DOE, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the U.S. Fire Administration to develop better testing and validation standards for grid-connected energy storage systems and their associated safety equipment.
• Amend program direction and strategic planning to incorporate energy storage safety.
• Expand the energy storage demonstration programs to include two additional demonstrations that would bolster the safety of both short- and long-duration energy storage systems.

Full text of the bill is available here.

The legislation is supported by American Clean Power Association and the U.S. Energy Storage Coalition.

"The Moss Landing fire underscored the urgent need to strengthen safety standards for battery energy storage systems nationwide. California has taken important steps at the state level, but federal partnership is essential to advancing research, improving coordination with fire officials, and developing stronger testing and safety standards. I appreciate Congressman Panetta's leadership in moving this conversation forward and helping ensure the clean energy transition continues in a way that is both ambitious and safe," said State Senator John Laird.

"Grateful to Congressman Panetta for his leadership on strengthening safety standards for battery storage systems. Since the fires at Moss Landing, I've been clear: our communities deserve transparency, accountability, and strong protections. The Better Energy Storage and Safety (BESS) Act is an important step to ensure the federal government fully understands the impacts of energy storage in communities like ours so an incident like Moss Landing never happens again," said Assemblymember Dawn Addis.

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