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HR 7928

Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Dina Titus

Directs DOT to regulate safe transport of lithium-ion batteries, including SOC limits, testing updates, damaged/recalled battery handling, and funds grants for suppression tech and

Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
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Bill Summary · HR 7928

Overview

HR 7928, the Thermal Runaway Reduction Act of 2026, would direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue new regulations and support programs aimed at reducing the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion cells or batteries during transport. The bill sets requirements for testing, labeling, handling damaged or recalled batteries, and provides a grant program to fund innovative suppression methods and fire-response capabilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • Reduce risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries during transportation (UN 3536) and improve safety for carriers, responders, and the public.
  • Establish a federal framework for design testing, regulatory standards, charging state limits, and ongoing updates as technology evolves.
  • Create grant programs to spur innovation in suppression technologies and enhance emergency response capabilities.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definitions (Section 2)

    • Lithium-ion cell or battery defined with specific criteria to exclude certain non-relevant types.
    • Thermal runaway defined as uncontrolled temperature rise from internal exothermic reactions.

  2. Safe transport requirements (Section 3)

    • Within two years of enactment, DOT must:
      • Work with the UN Sub-Committee to revise UN tests (38.3) to develop an impact test for cells/batteries installed in transport units to better withstand accidents without thermal runaway.
      • Amend 49 CFR 173.185 to require commercial transport of lithium-ion cells/batteries at or below 30% state of charge (SOC), determined per UN guidance, with higher SOC allowed only under conditions approved by PHMSA’s Associate Administrator.
      • Issue regulations or guidance on safe transport of damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, including packaging, movement, and disposal.
      • Review and update regulations every five years to address new battery technologies posing thermal runaway risks.

  3. Innovative thermal runaway suppression grants (Section 4)

    • PHMSA-administered program to grant funds for studying and testing technologies to suppress thermal runaway, effects of SOC on suppression, and methods for emergency responders to verify SOC during incidents.
    • Prioritize projects using non-PFAS suppression tools and cost-effective options.
    • Timeline: eligibility and applications within 1 year; grant selections within 180 days of solicitation; each grant project completed within 18 months; require final reports and a synthesized recommendations report within 120 days after all reports are due.

  4. Increasing access to suppression tools for fire departments (Section 5)

    • Adds a new Lithium Fire Safety Grants program to 49 U.S.C. § 5107 to fund:
      • Equipment for suppression of thermal runaway (e.g., blankets, portable agents).
      • Field-deployed energy assessment and diagnostics.
      • Environmental monitoring and runoff control equipment.
      • Containment and packaging tools for damaged/recalled batteries.
    • Grant process timing mirrors Section 4: 90-day application window and selections within 180 days.

  5. Funding (Section 4(d)(g))

    • Authorized appropriations of $10 million for fiscal years 2027–2031 to carry out the act’s provisions.

Who and what is affected

  • Regulated parties: manufacturers, shippers, carriers, and facilities handling lithium-ion batteries in commerce (US DOT and PHMSA oversight).
  • Emergency responders: fire departments and related agencies receive dedicated grant support.
  • Fire safety and suppression technology developers: eligible for federal grants to test and deploy new suppression strategies.
  • The UN and international testing framework influence U.S. testing and regulatory standards.

Timelines and process

  • Enactment timing triggers two-year regulatory development for design tests, SOC limits, and other transport rules.
  • Grant programs: announcements within roughly one year; 90-day application periods; grant decisions within six months of solicitation; project completions within 18 months.
  • Five-yearly reviews of regulations to adapt to emerging battery technologies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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