The PRBA Legislative Committee met on May 19, 2023 to discuss the potential implications of the following New York State Senate bills that were introduced earlier this year: SB 154. The bill would require certain micromobility devices be tested to UL safety standards by nationally recognized testing laboratories (NRTLs). While the original bill was amended…
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Category: News & Press Releases
Washington Passes All-Battery EPR Legislation
The State of Washington is the latest jurisdiction to pass portable all-battery EPR legislation that will mandate the collection and recycling primary and rechargeable batteries starting in 2027. California passed similar legislation in 2022 and Washington, DC passed legislation in 2020. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee is expected to sign into law SB 5144…
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IATA Files Proposal with ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel to Limit Lithium ion Battery Capacity in Electric Vehicles Shipped by Air
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has filed a proposal with the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel that would require vehicles powered by lithium ion batteries and shipped by air to have the battery “discharged as far as practicable, and where charge remains, the indicated range or indicated battery capacity must not…
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Amendment to International Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations Authorize “Baggage Trackers” Powered by Lithium Batteries
A recently issued amendment to the 2023 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (2023-2024 Edition) authorizes the carriage of lithium battery-powered active baggage trackers in passengers’ checked baggage. The amendment places the following size limits on the lithium batteries: For lithium metal batteries, a…
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NBC Report on Lithium-ion Battery Fires
NBC News aired a report on lithium ion batteries on February 7, 2023 that identified the fire risks associated with certain lithium ion battery designs and applications and the challenges facing emergency responders in these situations. The report is available here. PRBA and its members are actively working on numerous lithium ion battery safety…
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CPSC Issues Letter on Safety Standards to Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Retailers of Micromobility Devices
On December 20, 2022, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a letter to “Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Retailers of Micromobility Devices for Consumer Use” on the need to ensure the devices are tested to certain safety standards. The letter was signed by Robert Kaye, Director, Office of Compliance and Field Operations,…
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PRBA to Form New TSCA Battery Policy Committee In Response to Biden Administration & EPA Battery and Electric Vehicle Initiatives
President Biden recently announced new policies to pave the way for effective implementation of the historic energy and infrastructure provisions in Public Law 117-169, commonly referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”). This new law will accelerate United States global leadership in clean energy innovation, manufacturing, and deployment. The Environmental Protection Agency…
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PRBA Provides Members Detailed Analysis on Impacts of California Battery Bills AB 2440 and SB 1215
On Friday September 16, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2440 and Senate Bill 1215. The former deals with batteries and products with removable batteries (whether sold installed or just in the same packaging); the latter deals with products with embedded (nonremovable) batteries. The fundamental difference between the two…
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Biden Administration Releases Fact Sheet on Economic Plan to Drive Electric Vehicle and Battery Manufacturing Boom in the United States
The White House released today a Fact Sheet on the “Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Boom” occurring in the United States that lists 6 PRBA-member companies who recently announced major investments in electric vehicle or battery manufacturing, processing, or recycling facilities in the United States. A copy of the Fact Sheet is available here.
California Legislature Passes Two Comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility Battery Bills
On August 31, the California General Assembly passed Assembly Bill 2440, the California Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022. On August 30, the California Senate passed Senate Bill 1215, amending the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003. These were the final legislative actions required before sending the bills to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval. If…
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