Ted Cruz Blocks Bipartisan Bill on E-Bike Battery Safety
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who is gearing up for reelection, has expanded his opposition to regulations on gas stoves into a full-scale battle against a bill aimed at reducing the risk of deadly e-bike battery fires.
A federal bill, strongly supported by the FDNY, which could help curb the increasing number of e-bike battery-related fires that have claimed 31 lives in New York over the past four years, has hit a roadblock in the Senate since July. The primary obstacle? Senator Ted Cruz, who has linked the bill to what he believes is the Biden Administration’s push to ban gas stoves. The proposed law would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to create mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and chargers used in micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters.
The House version, led by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-The Bronx), passed in May with strong bipartisan backing. The Senate version also has cross-party support, with advocates such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (both New York Democrats), and Republicans like Senator Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee) and Senator Mike Braun (Indiana). New York City fire officials expected the bill to move swiftly through the Senate, but in July, Cruz, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced an amendment that would significantly limit the CPSC’s power to regulate the safety of lithium-ion batteries.
Cruz’s objection is not rooted in the danger posed by the batteries themselves but rather in his ongoing criticism of the CPSC. The same agency, which last year proposed regulations aimed at reducing gas stove energy consumption, has drawn Cruz’s ire. Some Republicans, including Cruz, have framed these proposals as an excessive government overreach, accusing the CPSC of trying to ban gas stoves under the guise of reducing carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, since the House passed its version of the e-bike battery safety bill in May, three people in New York City have died in fires caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries. This includes journalist Fazil Khan, who perished in a Harlem fire on May 23, triggered by batteries charging in a neighboring apartment. Similar tragic incidents occurred on Avenue M in Brooklyn and Throop Avenue in The Bronx.
“It’s deeply regrettable that this life-saving bill is being delayed due to unrelated political issues,” Senator Gillibrand said in an interview. “Fires caused by poorly made lithium-ion batteries have injured or killed hundreds across the U.S., and it’s vital that we act. This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill supported by firefighters for a reason—it will save lives.”
The FDNY first flagged the growing risk in 2019, as e-bike use by food delivery workers began to surge. During the pandemic, the number of e-bike fires spiked. According to FDNY data, there have been 910 lithium-ion battery-related fires, causing 509 injuries and 31 deaths in New York City alone by September 2023.
The proposed legislation addresses the widespread use of uncertified and poorly manufactured batteries that don’t meet the safety standards of testing labs like UL Solutions. These batteries pose a heightened risk of exploding when improperly charged, and many of the fires have taken place in residential areas. The battery safety bills in both chambers of Congress have garnered broad support from groups like the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Consumer Reports, and delivery platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash.
The bill requires the CPSC to develop and enforce safety standards for lithium-ion batteries within a year, which manufacturers would be obligated to follow. At present, these standards are only voluntary.
Cruz’s opposition centers around the language in the House bill that grants the CPSC the ability to modify the safety standards “at any time.” Supporters of the bill argue this is essential since battery technology is continually evolving, and regulators need the flexibility to adapt. “The modification clause ensures the CPSC has the authority to respond to new developments in lithium-ion battery safety quickly,” Torres explained. “Fire prevention shouldn’t be controversial—it’s an issue that transcends party lines.”
Cruz’s Battle with the CPSC
Cruz’s fight against the bill is part of a broader campaign against the CPSC, which he claims is overstepping its authority. His opposition dates back to the agency’s push for energy efficiency standards for gas stoves, which Cruz and other Republicans have criticized as government overreach. This has fueled Republican rhetoric that the Biden Administration is trying to “ban gas stoves.” In response to the backlash, the CPSC scaled back its initial proposal, adjusting the regulations so that only around 3% of current stoves would be affected, down from the initial estimate of 50%.
What are your thoughts on the e-bike battery safety debate? Should Congress take faster action to address these dangerous fires, or is the issue being overshadowed by unrelated politics? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let’s discuss how we can make our cities safer for everyone!
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Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
