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As the demand for clean energy and transportation grows, so does the need for rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used, from small toys to electric cars to large energy storage systems. While some lithium-ion batteries are already subject to regulations, rechargeable batteries used in “micro-mobility devices” such as electric bikes and scooters are currently not subject to any federal safety standards. Some advocates contend that a lack of regulation has led to an increase in fires caused by poor quality, defective batteries. According to a report by CBS News New York, defective lithium-ion batteries have allegedly resulted in 400 fires, 300 injuries, and 12 deaths between 2019 and 2023 in New York City alone.

Around the time that much of the United States was beginning to shut down in response to COVID-19, President Trump nominated Dr. Nancy B. Beck for Commissioner and Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A review of Dr. Beck’s education and background shows that the vast majority of her career – over 15 years – has been spent in public service. Yet Dr. Beck’s nomination has been met with criticism of her roughly five years as a Director at the American Chemistry Council (ACC). For instance, the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee issued a press release which highlighted Dr. Beck’s time at the ACC and claimed that Dr. Beck was “doing the bidding of the chemical industry at the expense of the health and safety of the American public.” Likewise, the Washington Post and New York Times headlined articles about Dr. Beck with a description of her as a “chemical industry executive.” While it may be expected that Dr. Beck’s detractors would focus on her time at the ACC, media characterizations of her as a “chemical industry executive” do not accurately describe the whole of her professional efforts.

Coronavirus

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a statement regarding the Commission’s efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. Though short, the statement makes clear that the CPSC is working to maximize technology to continue its work while also encouraging businesses to continue to report potentially unsafe products. The CPSC stated that it is…

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) continues to seek significant civil penalties from companies that fail to “immediately” report potential product safety problems in a timely fashion. The newest installment in this trend occurred when CPSC announced a $4.5 million civil penalty against PetSmart. CPSC stated that, between 2011 and 2014, “PetSmart received at least 19 reports of fish bowls cracking, breaking, or shattering during normal use, resulting in serious injuries to consumers in at least 12 cases.” However, CPSC went on to say that the company failed to “immediately notify CPSC of the defect or risk posed by the fish bowls.”  Moreover, CPSC claims that the company “failed to identify the correct amount and distribution dates of the fish bowls” during the initial recall of the product.

Under Federal law, once a reporting requirement arises under the Consumer Product Safety Act, it must be reported to CPSC “immediately” or within 24 hours of discovery.

The product originally sold in stores for approximately $20.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced  nine (9) recalls during the week of February 15, 2016. The announcements include two different recalls on the basis of the potential for exposure to mold.  The following is a list of those recalls with links to the respective announcements from CPSC.

  1. Paper boxes recalled due to presence of mold

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The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced six (6) recalls during the week of February 8, 2016. The announcements include a recall of propane gas which lacked sufficient odorant to warn consumers of a leak.  The following is a list of those recalls with links to the respective announcements from CPSC.

  1. Snowmobile recalled due to brake

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As previously discussed here, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee will hold a hearing entitled “Industry Perspectives on the Consumer Product Safety Commission” on Wednesday, March 10, 2016.  It is clear from a Background Memo published yesterday that the Committee intends to delve into some of the highest profile issues in the CPSC regulated community from recent years.  The Committee also announced the witnesses testifying at the hearing as well as the topics that may be explored.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced ten recalls during the week of February 1, 2016. The recalls include a diverse set of products ranging from a computer used for SCUBA diving to decorative baby rattles.  The following is a list of those recalls with links to the respective announcements from CPSC.

    1. Dive computers recalled

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The House Energy & Commerce Committee will hold a hearing entitled “Industry Perspectives on the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”  The hearing will take place on Wednesday, March 10, 2016, at 10:15 a.m. (ET).  The Energy & Commerce Committee has oversight over the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the hearing will focus on “evaluating…