Congressman Patronis Issues Statement on Passage of Lithium-Ion Battery Consumer Protection Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued a statement on the passage of H.R. 973 – Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (the Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives late Monday evening. The Act requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a final consumer product safety standard for micro mobility devices, such as electric bikes and scooters. Congressman Patronis voted in favor of the bill. 

Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “We learn something from every major storm. In 2022, Hurricane Ian taught us just how dangerous vehicles and personal devices powered by lithium-ion batteries were when submersed in saltwater due to storm surge. It became apparent that these batteries could be hazardous to Florida consumers and presented a real danger to our first responders who work these fires. When I served as Florida’s CFO and State Fire Marshal, I was proud to champion fire safety protections, and made sure we deployed every tool in the toolbox to develop new rules to prevent lithium-ion battery fires.  

“I was excited for the opportunity to vote in favor of H.R. 973 and continue to champion new fire safety protections throughout the country. If this common-sense measure passes the Senate, it will establish new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and protect consumers and small business owners who rely on devices, such as eBikes, to make a living. The bill would also assist first responders. In passing H.R. 973, Congress has taken a large step in a bi-partisan fashion toward protecting American consumers, families, and firefighting professionals.”

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