The Hill News

With all the challenges facing our aviation system, we’re also having to worry about in-flight fires due to poorly regulated lithium battery transport. Why? Because some members of the House of Representatives want to put profits before safety by blocking needed in-flight battery safety rules as part of the pending aviation safety bill. Anti-government ideology and special interest corporate lobbying trump common sense safety reform.  We’ve seen this move before.
 
Lithium-ion batteries are commonplace in everyday life â€" they power smartphones, laptops and power tools. Lithium-metal batteries power watches, flashlights and digital cameras. But when they are defective, damaged or exposed to a significant heat source, they can self-ignite. That’s a bad outcome anywhere, but especially at 35,000 feet.

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