Legislation would eliminate punitive excise taxes on strategic raw materials used in battery manufacturing
Battery Council International (BCI) applauds the re-introduction of the USA Batteries Act by U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and urges Congress to move quicky to eliminate punitive excise taxes on strategic raw materials that are critical to domestic battery manufacturing.
“Lead batteries have been produced domestically for more than 125 years and are a cornerstone the American economy, driving $8.1 trillion in economic output and 48 million jobs,” said Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director of Battery Council International. “The U.S battery industry needs Congress and the White House to continue to protect domestic battery manufacturers from unfair foreign competition. BCI wholeheartedly supports the USA Batteries Act along with other efforts to eliminate tax burdens that put domestic manufacturers at a disadvantage.”
Battery Council International recently released a comprehensive list of policy recommendations for the 119th Congress, including a request to legislators to urgently pass the USA Batteries Act and to defend the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Provision that provides critical support to domestic battery manufacturers.
Originally introduced by Congressman Meuser in 2023, the USA Batteries Act proposes to eliminate provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that impose taxes on three essential raw materials used in the production of lead batteries – lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid.
On Feb. 13, Congressman Meuser re-introduced the bill along with Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Scott Perry (R-Pa.).
“American battery manufacturers must be able to compete on a level playing field,” said Congressman Meuser in a release. “This Superfund Chemical Tax puts domestic producers at a disadvantage, while foreign competitors operate without the same burden. Small businesses—already facing economic pressure, supply chain disruptions, and workforce challenges—shouldn’t be hit with another unnecessary cost. Repealing this tax will support jobs, strengthen American industry, and keep manufacturing right here at home.”
Battery Council now asks Congress to quickly take up the legislation and vote it into law.
“BCI is confident that a level playing field will allow domestic battery manufacturers to remain global leaders,” said BCI’s Roger Miksad. “We ask Congress to continue their focus on protecting domestic supply chains and ensuring the vibrant, century-old U.S. battery industry can continue to meet the nation’s energy storage needs.”
For more information or press inquiries, contact media@batterycouncil.org.
