The Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in a January 12 letter to promptly complete its review of pending rules designed to bring the U.S. into compliance with ICAO on methods of transporting lithium batteries aboard civil aircraft. Citing the prohibition of lithium batteries aboard passenger aircraft, the PRBA said it sees no reason why the government should delay rule harmonization any longer.

In an earlier letter to the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 24 industry coalition members–including other trade groups, manufacturers and transportation companies–noted that the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration safety regulation was initiated four years ago, followed by improved regulatory efforts in April 2012 and January 2013.

“It is now time for this proceeding to be completed. We strongly believe that this would enhance safety by avoiding the burdens of complying with multiple and inconsistent safety requirements,” the PRBA letter concluded.