What does Preamble of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations regarding the safe transportation of lithium-ion cells or batteries. The bill's purpose is to address the safe transportation of lithium-ion cells or batteries and includes 'other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Lithium-ion cell or battery” is defined as a rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery with intercalation compounds for electrodes, constructed without metallic lithium. “Lithium-ion cell or battery” excludes cells or batteries described in specific sections of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “Thermal runaway” is defined as an uncontrolled increase in cell temperature due to exothermic reactions within cells and batteries, including lithium-ion cells or batteries.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE TRANSPORT OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES. of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines requirements for the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries. The Secretary of Transportation must collaborate with the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts to revise impact tests for lithium-ion cells and batteries. Regulations will be issued to limit the state of charge for lithium-ion batteries offered for commercial transport to 30 percent of their rated capacity. Transportation of lithium-ion batteries with a state of charge exceeding 30 percent requires approval from the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials. Regulations or guidance will be issued regarding the safe transportation of damaged, defective, or recalled lithium-ion cells or batteries. The regulations and guidelines established under this section will be reviewed and updated every five years to address emerging battery risks.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR INNOVATIVE THERMAL RUNAWAY SUPPRESSION of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program administered by the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to test and study methods for suppressing thermal runaway in lithium-ion cells or batteries transported under UN 3536. Eligible entities for these grants are facilities specializing in fire suppression testing. The Administrator will prioritize projects that test suppression technologies that do not contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and are cost-effective. The Administrator must finalize grant eligibility requirements and begin soliciting applications within one year of the Act's enactment, with a 90-day application period. Grant recipients must conclude their projects within 18 months of receiving funds. Grant recipients are required to submit reports on their findings to the Administrator upon completion of funded activities. The Administrator will review these findings and submit a report to Congress containing recommendations, including whether updated PHMSA guidance or training is needed. The section authorizes $10,000,000 for the program from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

What does INCREASING ACCESS TO THERMAL RUNAWAY SUPPRESSION TOOLS. of Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 5107 of Title 49, United States Code, to establish a competitive grant program. The grant program is intended for volunteer or career fire departments to acquire equipment and tools for suppressing thermal runaway events involving lithium-ion cells or batteries. Eligible uses of grant funds include equipment like blankets for thermal runaway suppression, diagnostic tools, environmental monitoring, and containment systems for damaged batteries. The grant application process must include a 90-day submission period and grant recipient selection within 180 days of solicitation. The Secretary of Transportation must finalize grant eligibility requirements and begin soliciting applications within one year of the Act's enactment.

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Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: Dina Titus (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations limiting the state of charge for lithium-ion batteries transported commercially to 30 percent of their rated capacity, with exceptions requiring specific approval.
It establishes a $10 million grant program to fund fire suppression testing facilities in evaluating methods for suppressing thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
The bill creates a grant program for volunteer and career fire departments to acquire equipment and tools for suppressing thermal runaway events involving lithium-ion batteries.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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