Recent congressional hearings have highlighted the growing concern over the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are used in a wide range of consumer electronics, including e-bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles. The hearings, chaired by representatives from both the Homeland Security Committee's GOP and Democratic factions, focused on the dangers these batteries pose to fire safety. U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell and other industry leaders testified, stating, "These batteries are changing the fire risk environment for us across America." Concerns were raised about the influx of poorly manufactured and fire-prone lithium-ion batteries from China, with calls for Congress to act swiftly to regulate these batteries and prevent them from saturating the American market. Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn of the FDNY advocated for federal safety standards and a ban on unregulated batteries, citing 600 lithium-ion battery fires in NYC over the past five years. Additionally, a significant fire at a French recycling plant housing 900 tonnes of lithium batteries underscored the potential hazards, as authorities reported a massive cloud of thick black smoke emanating from the site. The hearings garnered overwhelming support for the "Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act."
Watch: Warehouse With 900 Tonnes of Recycled Lithium Car Batteries Bursts Into Flames https://t.co/MT5ZLxuUej
As Ranking Member of the #EmergencyManagement and #Technology Subcommittee, I’m working to ensure our first responders have the resources and support they require. At our @HomelandDems hearing, we discussed how to combat fire safety threats due to lithium-ion batteries 🔋 https://t.co/AOcNPsWiR4
Fire at a lithium ion battery recycling plant in France.👇 https://t.co/2DdCE7aHER
French recycling plant on fire housing 900 tonnes of lithium batteries https://t.co/nkRQ4m3wSs https://t.co/I1L8hAPVwq
⚠️ FRENCH RECYCLING PLANT ON FIRE HOUSING 900 TONNES OF LITHIUM BATTERIES Full Story → https://t.co/5cLlLWyExP Some 900 tonnes of lithium batteries were on fire at a battery recycling plant in southern France, authorities said on Sunday, sending a cloud of thick black smoke…
State Fire Marshal’s Office is warning the public about the dangers of Lithium-ion batteries. https://t.co/KqnUcPmrLo
Great to have @FDNY on Capitol Hill to hear first hand what Congress is doing to keep Americans safe. I’m proud to co-sponsor @RepRitchie’s Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act which will rein in these all too frequent fires. https://t.co/hZDvX6xDvZ
"Is the potential is there? The answer is yes." Hear what U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell had to say about the possibility that terrorists could use lithium-ion battery fires in an attack: https://t.co/q11VrrjdgO
#ICYMI: Through ongoing collaborations between DCWP and @FDNY, we continue to further the City’s work to keep New Yorkers protected from the dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Read more on our task force inspection via @QueensChronicle ⬇️ https://t.co/POXU14xyMb
There have been 600 lithium-ion battery fires in NYC over the past five years. Nationwide safety standards are crucial. I’m proud to have garnered overwhelming support for my bill “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act” at the @homelanddems hearing yesterday. https://t.co/uRI0yhsQsF
Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn joined @iafcpresident @drloriusfa @fsri_org & testified before a Congressional subcommittee about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries. The #FDNY is pushing for a law that would set federal safety standards & ban unregulated batteries in the U.S. https://t.co/HUl93uyxMC
Without mandatory regulations, Li-ion batteries used to power e-bikes and scooters can be tampered with, posing a significant danger to our communities. I’m fighting to make e-bikes safer through stricter regulation and enforcement, and I’m grateful for our partners at the FDNY. https://t.co/Bi0MN2L0x4
Lithium-ion battery fires could pose a significant safety risk to first responders. Hear what today's witness had to say about the research being conducted to determine the potential health risks associated with these hazardous fires⬇️ https://t.co/UrZoCpT9cD
In today's Subcommittee on Emergency Management & Technology hearing about lithium-ion batteries and other threats to fire safety, I asked how we can enhance the resources for New Jersey-based fire safety professionals. https://t.co/A4rGQFPHdi
The flow of poorly manufactured and fire-prone lithium-ion batteries from China presents a clear and present danger to America. Congress must act swiftly to ensure that these batteries from China stop saturating the American market and risking lives. https://t.co/F1x4GQx2uP
Lithium Ion batteries, like the ones in electric vehicles, are an emerging threat to consumers & first responders. Earlier today, my @HomelandGOP subcommittee investigated this threat & ways to mitigate it. https://t.co/jnvpEDUR0a
WATCH: U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell explains the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power everything from cellphones and toys to electric vehicles and scooters. "These batteries are changing the fire risk environment for us across America." https://t.co/0LE2xifB7J
This morning, I am participating in a @HomelandDems hearing on "Examining Fire Hazards: Lithium-Ion Batteries and Other Threats to Fire Safety." I’ve long been fighting to get a hold on the pressing danger these batteries pose. Watch the hearing here ⬇️https://t.co/knffkcZMog
TUNE IN: @RepDesposito is holding a hearing to examine the various hazards facing fire services, particularly the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. https://t.co/56OP9xSqCC https://t.co/ZrQDoTkSjk
This morning, I’ll Chair @HomelandGOP hearing - "Examining Fire Hazards: Lithium-Ion Batteries and Other Threats to Fire Safety."🪫 Look forward to talking to @DrLoriUSFA & industry leaders @FDNY @UL_Solutions @usfire @IAFC. Tune in & stay safe. https://t.co/JTc0CMpSIs
Malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries are dangerous and deadly. If you have an e-bike or any other electronic that uses these kinds of batteries, always keep fire safety in mind — especially in your home. More safety tips: https://t.co/tY7S3DedtQ https://t.co/LkJTX8nlMO