Young Joins Bill to Improve Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) recently cosponsored theSetting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, legislation that would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to publish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other micromobility devices to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries.

"It is critical that Americans can trust that the batteries powering their devices are safe," said Senator Young. "This legislation will establish clear safety standards, reduce the risk of fires, and protect families from preventable tragedies."

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act is supported bythe International Association of Fire Chiefs.

"I commend Senator Young for his leadership in cosponsoring S. 389, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. This bill would codify federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices. Communities across Indiana face the risk of fires from e-bikes and other e-mobility devices. It is my hope that the full Senate swiftly passes this legislation so we can begin to turn the tide and make these devices fire-safe," said Chief Ernest Malone, Fire Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department and Second Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) originally introduced the legislation in February. In addition to Senator Young, U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) co-sponsored the legislation this week.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.