US House Approves Infrastructure Bill with Lithium Battery Safety Reforms

Strategic Insights -

The US House of Representatives has voted to approve an infrastructure bill that includes safety measures for roads, bridges, public transit, and water infrastructure, while also addressing hazards in the air transportation of lithium batteries. The bill, part of the Invest in America Act, authorizes the government to allocate $715 million for safety measures and repeals Section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which prohibits stricter regulations for lithium battery safety. The legislation aims to protect passengers from safety risks associated with lithium batteries, which have been linked to numerous incidents of combustion and fire damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US House of Representatives has voted to approve an infrastructure bill that includes safety measures for roads, bridges, public transit, and water infrastructure, while also addressing hazards in the air transportation of lithium batteries.
  • The bill authorizes the government to allocate $715 million for safety measures on roads, bridges, public transit, freight rail, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure.
  • The bill repeals Section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which prohibits stricter regulations for lithium battery safety.
  • The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will be directed to review outstanding National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations regarding the transportation of lithium batteries by air and submit a report within six months.
  • The bill aims to protect passengers from safety risks associated with lithium batteries, which have been linked to numerous incidents of combustion and fire damage.
  • The legislation will now go to the Senate for consideration.
  • Pilot union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), and cargo operator UPS have expressed support for the bill, citing the need for safer transportation of lithium batteries.
  • The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for the criminalization of rogue lithium-battery shippers and proposes the formation of an industry-led group to investigate the issue.

Statistics:

  • $715 million: The amount authorized for safety measures on roads, bridges, public transit, freight rail, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure.
  • 2016: The year a battery fire destroyed a FedEx truck in Ontario, Canada, leading to tightened regulation recommendations by the NTSB.
  • 2020: The year the NTSB released recommendations stemming from the 2016 fire, citing the need for tighter regulation of some lithium-ion batteries.
  • 10 hours: The amount of time after being offloaded from a cargo aircraft that the batteries ignited and caused a fire.
  • 2012: The year Section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act was passed, prohibiting stricter regulations for lithium battery safety.
  • 6 months: The timeframe for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to review outstanding NTSB recommendations and submit a report.

Sources:

  • UPS: "US House approves reassessment of lithium battery transport"
  • NTSB: "NTSB Recommendations Following Investigation of Cargo Aircraft Fire"
  • ALPA: "ALPA Applauds House Committee for Addressing Lithium Battery Hazards"
  • IATA: "IATA Calls for Stronger Regulations on Lithium Battery Shipping"
  • The Invest in America Act: Public fact sheet