Assembly committee advances bill to require management, tracking and recycling of end‑of‑life EV batteries

The California State Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on Monday voted 5–1 to send SB 615 to the Committee on Natural Resources, advancing legislation that would establish a state program to manage end‑of‑life electric vehicle traction batteries.

The bill, presented to the committee by Senator Allen, would direct the Department of Toxic Substances Control to implement a program that emphasizes reuse, repurposing and recycling of EV batteries; require extended producer responsibility for battery suppliers; institute tracking and reporting requirements; and require DTSC certification of recyclers and standards for entities that remove batteries from vehicles.

Supporters said the law aims to head off an emerging hazardous‑waste problem as large numbers of electric vehicle batteries reach end of life. Daniel Bridal, speaking for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said SB 615 is meant to “get ahead of that wave” of battery retirements and praised three features in the bill: extended…