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119-hr-8706119th CongressWALLET

Better Energy Storage and Safety Act

Sponsored By: Representative Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Introduced

Summary

Strengthening energy storage safety and testing is the bill's core aim. This bill would expand research, require lab-led benchmarking and stress testing to failure, and push data-driven diagnostics and predictive tools for batteries and other storage components.

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  • Families and building owners: Would fund testing and diagnostics for operational and pre-code grid-connected storage to identify failure modes and improve safety for installed systems.
  • Firefighters and emergency responders: Would involve the U.S. Fire Administration and require evaluation of fire suppression equipment and mitigation techniques for storage-related risks.
  • Researchers, manufacturers, and utilities: Would require coordinated benchmarking with National Laboratories and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, raise demonstration projects from 3 to 5, and expand pilot grants that use system data and AI to predict failures.

*Would authorize $30.0 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for safety programs, providing $150.0 million in spending authority over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More funding for energy storage safety

If enacted, the bill would authorize $30,000,000 per year for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031. The funds would remain available until expended, totaling $150 million in authorized funding. The Department of Energy would use the money for safety research, testing, demonstrations, and related grants or cooperative agreements with labs and partners.

Safer testing and demonstrations for energy storage

The bill would refocus the federal energy storage research program on safety, rigorous testing, and data-driven failure prediction. It would expand the program to include components, modules, and both residential and utility systems. The Secretary would have to coordinate test methods with National Laboratories, the Director of NIST, and the U.S. Fire Administration. Demonstrations would increase from three to five by September 30, 2030, and at least two demonstrations would require stress-to-failure testing of different technology groups.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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