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HR7928119th CongressWALLET

Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

In Committee

Summary

Safer transport of lithium-ion batteries by limiting charge and funding tools to stop "thermal runaway." This bill would set federal rules to cut the risk of battery fires during commercial transport and fund testing, suppression tech, and responder grants.

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  • Transporters and regulators would be affected most directly. The bill would require commercially transported lithium-ion cells and batteries to be offered at no more than 30% state of charge unless the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) approves higher levels, and would direct the Secretary of Transportation to work with UN experts to add an impact test and update testing and labeling rules with five-year reviews.
  • Volunteer and career fire departments would be eligible for competitive "Lithium Fire Safety Grants" for suppression equipment, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, containment tools, and packaging; applications would open within a year with a 90-day application window and 180 days to award grants.
  • Specialized testing facilities would get grants to study suppression approaches, prioritize PFAS-free and cost-effective methods, complete projects within 18 months, and report findings; the bill authorizes $10.0 million for fiscal years 2027–2031 for these grants.

*Would authorize $10.0 million for fiscal years 2027–2031 for the suppression grant program, increasing federal spending by that amount.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New transport rules for lithium batteries

If enacted, this bill would define which rechargeable cells count as “lithium‑ion” and define “thermal runaway.” The Transportation Secretary would have 2 years to work with U.N. experts to add an impact test for batteries in transport and to amend U.S. rules. The Secretary would also have 2 years to require that lithium‑ion cells or batteries offered for commercial transport under UN 3536 be at no more than 30% state of charge, unless the PHMSA Associate Administrator approves a higher charge under subpart H of 49 C.F.R. part 107. The Secretary would also issue rules or final guidance within 2 years for the safe transport, packaging, movement, and disposal of damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, and would review and update these rules every five years.

Grants for battery suppression testing

If enacted, PHMSA would run a competitive grant program for specialized fire suppression testing centers. Grants would fund tests of suppression technologies for lithium‑ion cells or batteries transported under UN 3536, study how state of charge affects suppression, and develop methods for responders to verify state of charge after fires or crashes. The program would prioritize non‑PFAS and cost‑effective solutions, finalize eligibility and solicit applications within 1 year, allow 90 days to apply, select recipients within 180 days, and require projects to finish in 18 months. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 total for fiscal years 2027–2031.

Grants for fire departments' battery gear

If enacted, the bill would create competitive "Lithium Fire Safety Grants" for volunteer and career fire departments. Grants could pay for suppression blankets and agents, field diagnostics for residual energy and cell integrity, environmental monitoring, containment and access tools, and packaging for damaged or recalled batteries. The Transportation Secretary would finalize eligibility and begin solicitation within 1 year, allow 90 days to apply, and select recipients within 180 days after applications open.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

NV • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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