Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the Battery Safety Placarding Act to require shipping labels for containers transporting lithium-ion batteries.

The lithium-ion battery market has exploded by more than 20 percent since 2024 with nearly every mode of transportation now involved in carrying this $150 billion dollar industry. A series of recent conflagrations across multiple modes of transit, however, have demonstrated the need to reduce safety risks associated with delivering this highly combustible technology nationwide. The danger presented by lithium-ion battery fires are often exacerbated by thermal runaway, wherein a violent chain of chemical reactions lead to extreme temperatures, toxic gas release, and an occasional explosion. 

“Clear labeling for hazardous material in transit is fundamental for the safety of our law enforcement, first responders, and traveling public,” said Rep. Hageman. “Explosives, flammable liquids, and toxic substances are all examples of items that require visible placards to immediately signify when hazardous material is present. Knowing the risks that lithium-ion batteries can pose, they should be no exception.”

In addition to introducing the Battery Safety Placarding Act, Rep. Hageman also sent a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requesting that they update the federal hazardous materials regulations administratively while Congress considers this new policy. Read the letter here.

Background: 

• Under existing hazardous materials regulations, lithium-ion batteries generally fall under the Class 9 miscellaneous category, which in most cases does not require external placarding for domestic transportation.
• The Battery Safety Placarding Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to revise placard requirements for freight containers, unit load devices, transport vehicles, or rail cars moving lithium-ion batteries within two years of passage.
• This bill requires hazard placards to be visible on all sides of freight containers, unit load devices, transport vehicles, or rail cars and be identifiable by first responders and law enforcement.
• The Department of Transportation would be required to conduct periodic reviews to monitor the effectiveness of the placarding requirements.