After I-15 fire, new rules proposed for lithium-ion battery transport

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — About eight weeks after a fire shut down Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) is proposing new rules on the transportation of lithium-ion batteries.

The 44-hour closure of I-15 about 25 miles east of Barstow was a major problem for weekend travelers on their way to Las Vegas. A flatbed truck carrying six industrial-grade batteries overturned on the shoulder of northbound I-15, stopping traffic for miles in 110-degree heat.

Now Titus has introduced the “Thermal Runaway Reduction Act,” which focuses on ways to reduce the potential for thermal runaway — when the temperature of a battery increases uncontrollably, often leading to a fire. The legislation would apply to lithium-ion batteries during transport by:

• Requiring impact testing for lithium-ion batteries that accounts for forces experienced in transportation accidents.
• Requiring the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to issue regulations that set a maximum state of charge of 30% for lithium-ion batteries set for ground transportation, similar to what is required for air transportation.

Although it wasn’t the only factor, the I-15 closure in July likely impacted Nevada’s economy as hotel occupancy and hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) both took a hit compared to July 2023.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman cited the crash and freeway closure as more evidence that California should take steps to widen I-15. “There’s no place to move, there’s no place for help,” she said.

Goodman and Titus both framed the incident as a safety issue.

“The disaster on Interstate 15 was a wake-up call that we need to do more to protect the public from dangerous fires related to the transport of lithium-ion batteries,” Titus said.

“As more lithium-ion batteries are transported through our state and across the nation, we need to take additional precautions,” she said. “An accident involving these batteries in highly populated urban areas could have tragic consequences.”

Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck thanked Titus for introducing the legislation.

“As recent fires have shown, the public is vulnerable to fires caused by lithium batteries, especially should these fires occur during transport as was the case most recently on the main road from Nevada to California,” he said.

“Clark County Fire is grateful Congresswoman Titus has introduced legislation to guide the transportation and storage of lithium batteries, and we look forward to quick passage to the benefit of first responders and public safety,” Steinbeck said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.