ncreased domestic production and recycling<\/a>, and more efficient use of raw materials in energy storage units. The lead battery industry\u2019s domestic strength is poised to act as a bulwark against the supply risks posed by other import-dependent technologies. It is imperative that Congress and the Administration recognise that strength, and properly invest in and encourage the lead battery industry.<\/p>\nWhat issues do decisionmakers in the industry and government officials need to consider moving forward to strengthen the US and North America\u2019s battery metals supply chains?<\/h3>\n Lead-based batteries are based on more than a century of research and development, and that R&D investment continues. On the near horizon are novel designs and lead-based chemistries which will provide solutions which could rival other chemistries. But those advances require investment from industry, government, academia, and other stakeholders. BCI cautions against the temptation for government-sponsored research to pick \u2018winners and losers\u2019 when a research programme is in the planning stage in support of a policy objective.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) should also be investing in energy storage solutions \u2013 such as advanced and future lead batteries \u2013 which do not rely on those critical materials, and which already have substantial domestic manufacturing capacity and raw material supply chains. Such technologies likely provide a faster and more predictable path towards reducing America\u2019s reliance on foreign-based critical materials by leveraging existing domestic supply chains.<\/p>\n
How important is innovation in strengthening battery materials supply chains?<\/h3>\n The US has committed to invest tens of billions of dollars in batteries to help secure a green future and a sustainable electric grid. BCI works closely with DOE experts and staff to promote federal investment in the basic science R&D that will produce the next generation of lead batteries. BCI is also actively engaged with legislators on Capitol Hill to ensure that our members\u2019 batteries are part of the nation\u2019s future energy policies.<\/p>\n
What are the priorities of BCI in 2023?<\/h3>\n In 2023, the opportunities for battery applications have the potential to grow significantly, despite significant regulatory headwinds in North America. Battery Council International is resolved to work on behalf of the industry to ensure a vibrant 2023.<\/p>\n
In 2022, we saw the re-emergence of significant regulatory challenges for domestic battery manufacturing, with a level of regulatory attention to lead not seen in decades. Significant regulatory activities include the Occupational Health and Safety Administration\u2019s (OSHA) efforts to rewrite the occupational standards for lead; the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) effort to tighten air emissions standards for battery manufacturers and recyclers; a potential update to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards; and Superfund soil cleanup standards. In addition, a review of lead under EPA\u2019s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is coming, and we will continue to see individual states take their own actions. BCI advocates in all these areas on behalf of the industry.<\/p>\n
Roger Miksad \nExecutive Vice President and General Counsel \nBattery Council International \nhttps:\/\/batterycouncil.org\/<\/a> \n https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/battery-council-international\/?trk=company_logo<\/a> \n https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Battery.Council\/<\/a> \n https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCl1iRvnBWtLjj19t88pGTfA<\/a><\/p>\nPlease note, this article will also appear in the thirteenth edition of our\u00a0quarterly publication<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Battery Council International detail the key priorities to consider to create and maintain North America\u2019s circular battery economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":30455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[24203,24412,24555,24477],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Establishing a circular battery economy in North America<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n