Meuser Introduces Bill to Support U.S. Battery Industry

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Dan Meuser (R-PA) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) reintroduced the USA Batteries Act to repeal the recently enacted Superfund chemical tax in the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which affects substances used in lead battery manufacturing. The IIJA reinstated the Superfund chemical tax on 42 substances at twice the previously enacted tax rates. The bill would eliminate the tax on lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid, which are the primary inputs used in lead batteries.

Lead batteries are used in vehicles, telecommunications, defense, and energy generation. A truly sustainable energy source, 99% of lead batteries are recycled for use in new batteries or other products. The lead battery industry includes many small businesses employing 25,000 Americans across 38 states with an annual economic impact of $23.6 billion. By repealing the Superfund chemical tax, we will help ensure the American battery industry continues to thrive.

“In order for American battery manufacturers to remain competitive, this tax needs to be repealed,” Congressman Meuser stated. “Good paying manufacturing jobs are essential to our industries, including several in my district, which would be impacted. Small businesses have faced unprecedented economic pressure, supply chain disruptions, and workforce challenges. Repealing this tax will level the playing field and help this industry to remain competitive with foreign producers, who are not burdened with this tax.”

“This tax on battery manufacturing is hurting our manufacturers and causing them to look elsewhere to produce batteries. At a time when our country needs more secure supply chains and more American manufacturing, we must repeal the tax on battery manufacturing to strengthen our supply chain, create jobs, and ensure vital products are made in America,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

“The USA Batteries Act will eliminate a tax that gives foreign manufacturers an unfair advantage on the cost of raw materials and harms domestic manufacturers that are producing batteries used in virtually every sector of the American economy,” said Roger Miksad, executive vice president of Battery Council International. “We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Meuser in introducing this important bill and look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to protect our domestic battery manufacturers.”

Additional background information on the legislation can be found here, and text of the legislation can be found here.

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