The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued on June 6, 2023 a Notice in the Federal Register on their plans for a public meeting on July 27, 2023 to address lithium ion battery safety issues. The Agency is also requesting written comments. The CPSC has over the past 15 years addressed the…
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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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The United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued on June 1, 2023 a 12-page memorandum containing 19 frequently asked questions (FAQ) on lithium ion battery recycling and the applicability of the Agency’s hazardous waste regulations (RCRA) to lithium ion batteries. The document is at least the second “informal” statement by EPA in recent years…
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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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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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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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The 40th annual Equip Exposition will be held in Louisville, Kentucky from October 17-20, 2023. This event invites people from the outdoor power equipment and landscaping industries to come together to demonstrate the latest equipment, technology and software, as well as educate and connect with experts in the industry. The expo sold out last…
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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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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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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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