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.

BCI 2025 Congressional Briefing Policy Recommendations cover thumbnail.

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.

 

Battery illustration for the stat: U.S. battery industry enables 21% of the economy.
The battery industry enables 21% of the U.S. economy.
Bustling U.S. traffic powered by a resilient domestic battery industry, keeping the nation moving in an electrified world.

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

 

The American battery industry’s directly supports $10 trillion in economic output, or 21% of the U.S. economy, with over 54  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.

“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
Map of BCI member company manufacturers, recyclers, and suppliers in North America.

Explore the Backbone of North America’s Battery Industry

Discover the facilities that power North America’s battery infrastructure. The BCI Interactive Member Map highlights the network of manufacturers, recyclers, and suppliers that form the backbone of North America’s energy storage manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

Explore facilities near you and see their contributions to local economies, supporting essential applications and driving sustainability.

Rebecca Conway

There is still a lead acid battery in the majority of EVs.  [And] we’re also seeing an increase in the number of multi-battery systems – vehicles with more than one battery, a primary and auxiliary battery.

Rebecca Conway, Executive Director of Marketing and Technical Services, Clarios