H.R. 10673: Battery Safety Placarding Act

This bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation to update federal shipping rules so that, within 2 years, certain shipments of lithium-ion batteries must display an external placard. The placard would have to be used on freight containers, unit load devices, transport vehicles, and rail cars carrying a specified quantity of lithium-ion batteries.

What the new placard rule would cover

• The Transportation Department would decide how many batteries trigger the placard requirement.
• That threshold would be based on factors like battery weight, size, and energy capacity.
• The rule would be designed to account for different risk levels across different stages of transport.
• The placard would need to be visible from all sides of the container, vehicle, or rail car.
• It would also need to be easy for law enforcement and first responders to recognize.

Required review and consultation

Before finalizing the new rules, the Secretary would have to conduct an economic impact assessment looking at:

• the cost of making the placards;
• possible supply chain disruptions; and
• effects on small and rural businesses and transportation providers.

The Department would also have to consult with law enforcement, first responders, transportation companies, freight forwarders, logistics providers, supply chain experts, hazardous materials experts, and businesses involved in making, distributing, and selling lithium-ion batteries and products that contain them.

Reporting and ongoing review

After the rule is revised, the Secretary would have to brief Congress within 30 days. The Department would also need to review the battery-quantity thresholds at least every two years, and periodically assess whether the placarding rules are still effective in light of new technology and emergency response capabilities. If further changes are needed, the Secretary would have to report to Congress before making them.

Relevant Companies

• None found