United States Representative Jimmy Panetta announced on May 8 the introduction of the Better Energy Storage and Safety (BESS) Act, a bipartisan bill co-led by Representative Pat Harrigan. The legislation aims to enhance federal efforts in ensuring safe energy storage by directing the Department of Energy to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities focused on battery system failure prevention.
The issue is significant as more renewable energy facilities rely on advanced battery systems for storage, raising concerns about safety incidents such as fires or explosions. The BESS Act seeks to address these risks by improving early detection methods and preventative techniques while promoting further research into causes of battery failure.
“As we continue to move towards renewable energy, we must ensure that the corresponding and critical technology is safe and secure,” said Rep. Panetta. “Although state-level public utility commissions have the authority and are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable energy service, my bipartisan bill would allow the federal government to make necessary improvements for the research, development, and testing of critical battery storage and clean energy systems. As we strive to reduce our carbon output with clean energy facilities, including battery storage, I believe the federal government has a role to play to ensure the safety and protection of our environment and communities.”
Rep. Harrigan said: “Energy storage is a critical piece of America’s energy future, and we have to make sure we are building it on a foundation that is safe and reliable. These systems are going into homes, onto the grid, and into communities across the country, and right now our testing and safety standards have not kept pace with how fast the technology is moving. This bill closes that gap, puts the right agencies to work on the hard problems, and makes sure we are stress-testing these systems before failures happen in the field, not after.”
The BESS Act would authorize $30 million per year from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for safety activities related to energy storage; improve coordination between agencies like DOE, NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology), and U.S. Fire Administration; amend program direction for strategic planning around safety; expand demonstration programs; develop better testing standards; among other measures.
State Senator John Laird commented: “The Moss Landing fire underscored the urgent need to strengthen safety standards for battery energy storage systems nationwide. California has taken important steps at the state level, but federal partnership is essential to advancing research, improving coordination with fire officials, and developing stronger testing and safety standards. I appreciate Congressman Panetta’s leadership in moving this conversation forward and helping ensure the clean energy transition continues in a way that is both ambitious and safe.” Assemblymember Dawn Addis added: “Grateful to Congressman Panetta for his leadership on strengthening safety standards for battery storage systems… The Better Energy Storage And Safety (BESS) Act is an important step…”
Jimmy Panetta has served in Congress representing California’s 19th District since 2017 according to his official House biography.
