I decided to start my own petition on Change.org that is a bit more targeted than the previous petition I came across (which targeted Trump). My petition will try to get the attention of the bill’s lead sponsors, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). There are already two other petitions being passed around, but neither has taken off, and I think what’s missing is a better summary of the issue, more actionable outcomes, and targeting the correct policymakers. I also wanted to see a petition that honored Reese Hamsmith, the child who inspired the bill, given the sensitivity of this issue. I do believe this is simply a situation of good intentions, and a positive first step, but there is clearly a need to revisit this law.
Try to imagine yourself with impaired vision, bad arthritis where using scissors was painful or perhaps inability to use a hand due to having had a stroke. Since the change in packaging serves no useful purpose, why not fix it?
I don’t have any problems with the packaging either because I don’t use button cells, and if I did I still have sufficient dexterity to deal with the packaging. However, I try to practice the golden rule, and if I were or become one of those who’s struggling with the packaging, I’d hope that others would help me out if they could. The law as it applies to hearing aid batteries is a solution in search of a problem. It needs to be fixed, and signing the petition is the least any compassionate person can do. Alas, compassion in the US is at a low ebb these days on countless fronts.
I manhandle the Costco battery package, so I get the batteries out pretty easily, but I’d hate to have to do it, say, in the middle of a bike ride. I guess I could plan to replace batteries every week or so, but that would mean giving up more than a little battery charge. Sometimes I get a week from 13s; sometimes I get closer to 2 weeks.
The method Ray-O-Vac pushes eaves shards of sharp plastic to be dealt with. My Costco batteries seem to have the same process in mind. It’s a PITA. And it’s not necessary.
This administration is intent on dismantling regulations, after all.
The US is in the process of self-destruction. “low ebb” on countless fronts indeed. I fear this country will never recover. I’m a natural born American citizen and have seen countless rotten politicians come and go over but THIS? Nothing has come close. I’m urging my children to formulate some sort of exit strategy. I’m too old to do so.
It looks like the bill sponsors STILL have not responded. They obviously did no research on the ramifications of this ridiculous packaging. They need to be impeached. Do all members of Congress use auto pens and are there just for the paycheck?
I’ve dropped more batteries onto the floor than I ever have before this asinine law. The chances of a kid getting access to a battery will INCREASE. What a joke.
The Senate doesn’t have to be involved. The law leaves the status of zinc-air batteries up to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent agency whose commissioners are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. So, the CPSC made the decision to include zinc-air batteries in the final regulation, and they can decide to exclude them.
