Lawmakers advocate for regulation of lithium-ion batteries

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for legislation to regulate lithium-ion batteries, which he says are dangerous and have caused over 400 fires resulting in 300 injuries and 12 deaths in the last year. Schumer's bill aims to establish federal safety standards for the batteries and take improperly manufactured ones off the market. Lithium-ion battery fires have been reported in the Susquehanna Valley, and trash and recycling companies are warning against throwing them in the trash as they can cause fires in trash trucks. Emergency responders are also working to catch up with the technology and companies are making equipment specifically designed to fight electric vehicle fires.