New US Lithium Battery Legislation

Bloomberg reports that the US House of Representatives has approved legislation that prevents Obama administration from enacting a proposed rule that treats batteries shipped or packed into laptop computers, cellular phones and digital cameras as hazardous materials.

The market news is quoted as saying:

U.S. regulators, backed by pilot unions and congressional Democrats, say they want to limit shipments because lithium batteries may overheat and ignite. The rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, part of the Transportation Department, would cost $1.13 billion the first year in packaging, transportation, logistical and training costs, according to an analysis commissioned by the Washington- based battery association

Click here to access the entire news