U.S Department of Energy acknowledges “significant” comments from stakeholders like BCI informed their decision
Battery Council International (BCI) is pleased to report that on Jan. 17, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officially withdrew its March 2023 proposed rule on energy conservation standards for battery chargers.
“Through two years of engaged advocacy and coordination of BCI members, the energy storage industry proved that the proposed rule would have harmed U.S. manufacturing jobs, battery recycling rates, and ultimately consumers who rely on affordable, proven lead battery technology,” said BCI President and Executive Director Roger Miksad. “The problematic proposal failed to account for market realities, and would have effectively banned lead batteries from major markets by inappropriately including battery energy in the efficiency calculations for battery charger standards. We are pleased that the Department of Energy was receptive to our concerns about the serious technical, legal, and economic flaws in the proposed approach and ultimately chose to withdraw the proposal.”
In withdrawing the rule, DOE specifically acknowledged the “significant oral and written comments” received from stakeholders such as BCI members, and cited concerns about impacts on manufacturers.
Despite batteries not being a “covered product” under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the recently withdrawn DOE rule proposal would have required system efficiency levels that are fundamentally impossible for lead battery technology to achieve. If enacted, the rule would have impacted critical energy storage applications including mobility devices, golf cars, small industrial equipment, and other essential applications where lead batteries currently provide reliable, cost-effective solutions across the U.S.
Through multiple engagement channels, including detailed written comments submitted for the public record and an August 2023 meeting with senior DOE officials, BCI successfully demonstrated the serious technical, legal, and economic flaws in the proposed rulemaking.
BCI’s Technical and Deep Cycle committees, led by Chairs Fred Wehmeyer of U.S. Battery and Shawn Peng, formerly with C&D Trojan (now with Quantum Shield) were instrumental in preparing an iron-clad technical critique of the original proposal, which was critical to supporting BCI’s successful advocacy.
“While this withdrawal represents a major victory for our industry, BCI stands ready to work constructively with DOE on any future battery charger standards that appropriately recognize the distinct roles of batteries and chargers while meeting legitimate energy efficiency goals,” Miksad said.
For more information, contact info@batterycouncil.org.
