Washington, D.C. – UL Standards & Engagement has announced Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) as the inaugural recipients of the UL Standards & Engagement Safety in Action Award, recognizing their leadership in advancing policies that improve public safety.
The Safety in Action Award honors leaders whose vision and leadership advance the impact of safety standards and policies that protect people and strengthen communities.
Representatives Garbarino and Torres were honored for serving as the original sponsors of the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, bipartisan legislation focused on improving the safety of rechargeable battery powered micromobility products.
As lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common in products ranging from e-bikes and e-scooters to portable chargers and electronics, safety standards play a critical role in addressing emerging safety risks. Representatives Garbarino and Torres championed this legislation, helping build broad support while elevating e-mobility battery safety as a critical national safety priority.
“Receiving the inaugural Safety in Action Award is a real honor, and I’m grateful to UL Standards & Engagement for recognizing this bipartisan effort,” said Representative Andrew Garbarino. “As lithium-ion batteries become more common in products families use every day, we must have commonsense safety standards in place to help prevent fires and protect consumers. I’m proud to work with Congressman Torres and our partners at UL to move this effort forward.”
“I am honored to receive the inaugural UL Standards & Engagement Safety in Action Award,” said Representative Ritchie Torres. “The proliferation of micromobility products such as e-bikes, and e-scooters offer convenient transportation solutions for many of my constituents as well as many American living in urban transportation deserts. At the same time, the lack of enforceable regulations in the micromobility space has led to dangerous products entering the homes of many Americans. We cannot allow for this to persist, which is why I have championed the legislation to codify safety regulations for these products.“
“Our award winners are championing our mission — working for a safer world — through commonsense, bipartisan policy that will make a difference in reducing deadly fires from these battery-powered products,” said Jeff Marootian, president and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement. “These exemplary public leaders have consistently shown their strong commitment to smart policy solutions and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them to improve safety outcomes for Americans everywhere.”
The awards were presented during an event hosted by UL Standards & Engagement on Capitol Hill on July 14, 2026.
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About UL Standards & Engagement
UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships, and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Visit ULSE.org for more information.