Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7928

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Last Updated

2026-06-03T08:07:16Z

AI-Generated Summary

Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 (H.R. 7928)

Purpose

This bill aims to improve the safety of transporting lithium-ion cells or batteries (rechargeable batteries used in devices like electric vehicles and electronics) by preventing thermal runaway (an uncontrolled temperature rise inside the battery that can lead to fires or explosions). It directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create regulations, update international standards, and fund research and equipment for fire suppression.

Key Provisions

• Definitions (Sec. 2): Defines "lithium-ion cell or battery" (excluding certain small or specific types) and "thermal runaway."
• Safe Transport Regulations (Sec. 3): Within 2 years of enactment, the Secretary of Transportation must:
• Collaborate with the United Nations to revise impact tests for batteries shipped under UN 3536 (a standard for batteries in equipment).
• Limit batteries to 30% state of charge (battery charge level) for transport, with exceptions needing special approval.
• Issue rules or guidance on handling damaged, defective, or recalled batteries (including packaging and disposal).
• Review and update rules every 5 years for emerging risks.
• Research Grants (Sec. 4): Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) establishes a grant program ($10 million authorized for 2027–2031) for fire testing facilities to study:
• New technologies to stop thermal runaway.
• Effects of battery charge levels.
• Tools for emergency responders to check charge levels post-incident.
• Prioritizes PFAS-free (certain "forever chemicals") and cost-effective options; includes strict timelines and reporting to Congress.
• Fire Department Grants (Sec. 5): Amends existing law (49 U.S.C. § 5107) to create grants for fire departments to buy equipment like fire blankets, diagnostics tools, cleanup kits, and containment systems for lithium fires; sets application timelines.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends 49 CFR § 173.185 to enforce a 30% charge limit and special approvals for higher charges.
• Adds new 49 U.S.C. § 5107(j)–(k) for lithium-specific fire safety grants to fire departments.
• Introduces periodic reviews and UN coordination not previously mandated.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: DOT and PHMSA gain new rulemaking, grant administration, and reporting duties; requires international collaboration.
• Citizens and Public Safety: Reduces fire risks during battery transport (e.g., by truck, plane, ship), protecting communities near highways/ports and emergency responders.
• Industry: Shippers/manufacturers must comply with charge limits and handling rules, potentially increasing costs but improving safety.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. role in global standards via UN updates, aiding harmonized shipping rules.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DOT/PHMSA: Leads implementation, regulations, and grants.
• Fire Departments: Eligible for equipment grants.
• Battery Manufacturers/Shippers: Must meet new transport standards.
• Testing Facilities/Emergency Responders: Benefit from research grants and tools.
• General Public: Safer transport reduces accident risks.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Expands DOT's hazardous materials authority under Title 49 U.S.C.; mandates timelines with congressional reporting for delays, ensuring accountability.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; uses Congress's commerce clause power over interstate transport.
• Political: Bipartisan safety focus (introduced by Rep. Titus); authorizes targeted funding without broad spending, potentially appealing amid rising electric vehicle battery transport.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
• 2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (9 pages)