Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act

The Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish an Electric Vehicle Fire Response Working Group within 90 days. This group's primary purpose is to review and establish comprehensive guidance and best practices for effectively responding to electric vehicle fires, aiming to enhance safety for emergency personnel and the public.

The working group will comprise at least 22 members, drawing expertise from diverse sectors. These include representatives from the towing industry, emergency response personnel, the automotive industry (EV manufacturers, battery makers), and research and standards-setting organizations, alongside federal agencies. Its duties involve continuously reviewing risks, existing practices, and roadside incidents involving EV fires, then periodically issuing or updating response guidance.

A key responsibility is to report roadside EV fire incidents for inclusion in the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) database, coordinating with the U.S. Fire Administration for detailed data collection. The working group must also submit an annual report to Congress, summarizing its work and any new or updated guidance. The group is scheduled to terminate 10 years after its establishment.