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U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, is reintroducing the USA Batteries Act to repeal a recently enacted Superfund chemical tax in the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act that affects substances used in lead battery manufacturing.
According to a news release the reinstated Superfund chemical tax applies to 42 substances at twice the previously enacted tax rates. Meuser's 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 news release said. "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"In order for American battery manufacturers to remain competitive, this tax needs to be repealed," Meuser said, according to the news release.
"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," he said, according to the release.
"This tax on battery manufacturing is hurting our manufacturers and causing them to look elsewhere to produce batteries," U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., the legislation's cosponsor, said, according to the news release. "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."