Bill · H.R. 8706· House(119-HR-8706)
Better Energy Storage and Safety Act
- Introduced
- 5/7/2026
- Last activity
- 5/7/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Jimmy Panetta
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Better Energy Storage and Safety Act," aims to amend the Energy Act of 2020. It modifies various programs and projects specifically regarding energy storage technology. The legislation focuses on expanding the objectives of research, development, and deployment to include safety and reliability. It emphasizes the development of tools to prevent failures like thermal runaway, fire, and explosion risks. Additionally, it updates testing, validation, and demonstration project requirements. Finally, it authorizes new funding to support these safety-related activities.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill provides substantial new funding specifically for research into energy storage safety, failure modes, and new chemistries.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+5
The bill authorizes $30 million annually through 2031 to advance energy storage technology research and safety.
Is this likely to create jobs?+2
The expansion of energy storage demonstration projects and research objectives may support job growth in the renewable energy sector.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Safety of Energy Systems: The bill introduces new objectives to create models and diagnostic data sets that help prevent system failures, including thermal runaway, fire, and explosion risks (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Better Maintenance and Early Warning: It promotes the development of early detection methods and preventative maintenance techniques to help manage how energy storage systems fail (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Enhanced Reliability and Durability: The bill directs the Secretary to support testing for the reliability, safety, and durability of energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(i)).
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Improved Life Expectancy of Technology: The modification of periodic evaluations aims to increase the lifetime of energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(B)).
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Development of Safer Technologies: The bill encourages testing innovative chemistries for grid-connected energy storage systems that are safer than conventional options (Section 2(d)(2)(xvii)).
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Mitigation of Risks: The bill focuses on developing equipment, such as automated fire suppression systems, to mitigate risks associated with energy storage systems (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(vi)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5Improves Public Transit+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina