A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Better Energy Storage and Safety Act," aims to amend the Energy Act of 2020. It modifies various programs and projects specifically regarding energy storage technology. The legislation focuses on expanding the objectives of research, development, and deployment to include safety and reliability. It emphasizes the development of tools to prevent failures like thermal runaway, fire, and explosion risks. Additionally, it updates testing, validation, and demonstration project requirements. Finally, it authorizes new funding to support these safety-related activities.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +6
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill provides substantial new funding specifically for research into energy storage safety, failure modes, and new chemistries.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The bill authorizes $30 million annually through 2031 to advance energy storage technology research and safety.
- Scored +2
Is this likely to create jobs?
The expansion of energy storage demonstration projects and research objectives may support job growth in the renewable energy sector.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Safety of Energy Systems: The bill introduces new objectives to create models and diagnostic data sets that help prevent system failures, including thermal runaway, fire, and explosion risks (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Better Maintenance and Early Warning: It promotes the development of early detection methods and preventative maintenance techniques to help manage how energy storage systems fail (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Enhanced Reliability and Durability: The bill directs the Secretary to support testing for the reliability, safety, and durability of energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(i)).
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Improved Life Expectancy of Technology: The modification of periodic evaluations aims to increase the lifetime of energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(B)).
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Development of Safer Technologies: The bill encourages testing innovative chemistries for grid-connected energy storage systems that are safer than conventional options (Section 2(d)(2)(xvii)).
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Mitigation of Risks: The bill focuses on developing equipment, such as automated fire suppression systems, to mitigate risks associated with energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(vi)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides substantial new funding specifically for research into energy storage safety, failure modes, and new chemistries.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill authorizes $30 million annually through 2031 to advance energy storage technology research and safety. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — While primarily focused on grid storage, improved energy storage reliability supports broader infrastructure stability.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By improving the safety and reliability of energy storage, the bill supports the long-term stability of the energy grid. Is this likely to create jobs? — The expansion of energy storage demonstration projects and research objectives may support job growth in the renewable energy sector.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Increased safety and reliability of residential energy storage systems can benefit middle-income homeowners. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Improved safety of grid-connected energy storage mitigates risks of fire and explosion in populated areas.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina