Congressman Dan Goldman Celebrates House of Representatives’ Passage of Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

Congressman Dan Goldman is an Original Co-Sponsor of the ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,’ which would Require Consumer Product Safety Commission to Establish Minimum Safety Standards for Batteries

In New York City, Lithium-Ion Batteries Caused 220 Fires in 2022, 268 Fires in 2023

Read the Bill Here

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) celebrated the passage of H.R. 1797, the ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act’ in the House of Representatives. This legislation would establish an overarching safety standard for all lithium-ion batteries used, providing a decisive safeguard against these fires.

The ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act’ would specifically require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish definite safety standards for lithium-ion batteries so that consumers can be assured that they are purchasing products that are safe to bring into their homes.

“E-bikes, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices are critically important transportation options for New Yorkers, but we cannot allow the potentially dangerous lithium-ion batteries that power them to go unregulated,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This bill is critical in eliminating the preventable tragedies caused by poorly made lithium-ion batteries. I am proud to have helped this bill’s passage in the House of Representatives and hope the Senate does its job with haste to keep our communities safe."

Lithium-ion battery fires have become a grave concern in New York City. While in 2020 there were only 44 fires caused by poorly made lithium-ion batteries, there were 220 fires in 2022 and 268 fires in 2023.

Following the deadly June 2023 Chinatown fire caused by lithium-ion batteries, Congressman Goldman pushed the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to update e-bike safety regulations. He was an original sponsor of the ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.’

Earlier this year, Goldman pushed for additional regulations for the lithium-ion batteries that e-bikes and other micromobility devices during a hearing of the Homeland Security Committee. During the committee hearing, the Congressman asked Chief Fire Marshal Flynn how the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) works to enforce current laws against lithium-ion battery tampering, what resources are needed to help inspectors, and how greater regulations would help prevent the deadly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

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