Policy Recommendations

The domestic battery industry has been delivering reliable power to the American people for more than 125 years. Today, nearly every business relies on low-voltage batteries, made right here at home, in their everyday operations. Congressional support is key to driving continued innovation, global leadership, and growth in this critical industry, which is vital to the U.S. economy and national security.

Cover image of BCI 2025 Congressional Briefing Policy Recommendations

BCI’s Most Urgent Policy Recommendations

 

BCI has published a briefing for legislators that provides recommendations to create jobs, support domestic battery manufacturers, and defend the domestic economy from unfair foreign competition.

Collectively, we are asking Congress to protect the nation’s energy storage infrastructure through five specific policy actions in three key areas:

Manufacturing
  1. Maintain Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Provision – Ensure the existing Section 45 provision remains in place as a tool for domestic battery manufacturers to protect and grow their operations.
  2. Remove Tax Penalties for Domestic Battery Production – Eliminate punitive excise taxes on strategic battery raw materials to support domestic battery manufacturing by passing the USA Batteries Act.
Department of Energy
  1. Support Key DOE Programs – Certain programs help spur innovation and growth in domestic battery technologies, including research and development as well as partnership with national laboratories.
Safety
  1. Set Workplace OSHA Regulations Based on Real-World Results – Increase collaboration between the Department of Labor and BCI experts to develop workplace safety regulations that are feasible and based on the best available real-world data.
  2. Keep Workers Safe and Protect Domestic Supply Chains – Support the EPA’s labeling initiative to facilitate collection and sorting improvements for safer battery recycling.

 

Download Our Policy Recommendations for the 119th Congress

U.S. battery industry enables nearly 20% of the economy.
The battery industry enables nearly 20% of the U.S. economy.
battery applications, BCI Policy Recommendations 2025

A Strong Future for America Depends on a Strong Domestic Battery Industry

 

The American battery industry’s directly supports $8.1 trillion in economic output, or roughly 20% of the U.S. economy, with some 48 million jobs dependent on batteries.

Batteries are used for starting internal combustion engines, forklifts, aircraft, and other essential applications, and provide distinct power advantages for the U.S. military’s mission-critical applications thereby strengthening domestic security.

Battery Council International (BCI) holds a unique position at the center of the battery ecosystem representing more than 160 member firms from around the world, with the majority based in the U.S.

BCI members include battery manufacturers and recyclers, suppliers of raw materials and equipment, and marketers, retailers, and distributors. They comprise the majority of the incumbent battery supply chain in North America.

Download America’s Domestic Battery Supply Chain Fact Sheet

“Maintaining a strong domestic industrial base for U.S. battery supply chains is critical to the American economy, as well as national security.”

Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director, Battery Council International

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