Communities Push Back Against Battery Energy Storage Facilities in New York

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Takes a Stand

Communities across New York have been pushing back against the rapid expansion of massive battery energy storage facilities in their neighborhoods. They cite safety and environmental concerns. Now, those residents have found a powerful ally: US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Zeldin, who previously served as a congressman for Long Island and was the Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2022, plans to hold a press conference in Hauppauge on Monday. He aims to highlight the risks posed by “Battery Energy Storage Systems” (BESS). While he is not outright opposing these facilities, Zeldin is expected to issue new guidance. This guidance will help communities and local governments better assess environmental and safety impacts.

“Calling a technology ‘green energy’ does not mean there are no environmental impacts,” Zeldin told The Post. He emphasized the need for caution as New York pushes forward with ambitious clean energy targets. He described state climate goals as “delusional,” criticizing what he sees as an unrealistic political agenda that prioritizes renewable energy proliferation over public safety.

Residents’ Concerns

Residents across New York City, Long Island, Staten Island, Queens, the Hudson Valley, and upstate have repeatedly expressed concerns about the proliferation of BESS facilities in their neighborhoods. Zeldin pointed to recent incidents in California and Hawaii. There, lithium-ion battery fires caused extensive damage and posed severe risks to local communities and first responders. “Many New Yorkers are looking at these incidents and asking whether our state is putting their safety first,” he said.

New York is aggressively pursuing energy storage to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 targets. These targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040. However, Zeldin criticized state policies that limit natural gas use and phase out traditional energy sources. He believes these policies are advancing storage and renewable projects too quickly. “The state that banned safe natural gas extraction, gas hook-ups on new construction, and gas stoves continues to put the safety and well-being of New Yorkers second to their climate agenda,” he said.

Governor Hochul’s Support

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office countered Zeldin’s stance. They argue that it undermines the federal and state goals of reducing carbon emissions and diversifying New York’s energy mix. Ken Lovett, senior communications advisor for energy and the environment, stated that Zeldin’s approach risks slowing grid modernization. This could leave the state behind in storage investments and ultimately force New Yorkers to pay more for energy.

Despite the backlash, New York has enacted some of the most stringent battery storage regulations in the country. The state has approved over 6,000 battery storage projects since 2019. This has created 440 megawatts of capacity, with 1.3 gigawatts under contract and a goal of reaching six gigawatts by 2030.

Recent laws also expand state authority to override local opposition for projects of 25 megawatts or more. However, the Hauppauge facility in focus is not subject to that override. Residents there have voiced concerns over potential toxic emissions, including hydrofluoric acid contamination of local waterways in the event of a fire.

Former city fire safety officials, including ex-FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen, have praised the state regulations. They see them as a strong step toward safer development of energy storage facilities. Yet, the debate underscores the ongoing tension between ambitious climate targets and the practical safety concerns of the communities tasked with hosting these massive installations.

The Wait and See for the Future

As the Hauppauge press conference approaches, all eyes will be on Zeldin and the new EPA guidance. This guidance could influence local decision-making and shape how New York balances rapid clean energy expansion with community safety concerns. Residents, environmental advocates, and policymakers alike will be watching closely. Will federal guidance tip the scale in favor of caution? Or will the state’s aggressive renewable agenda continue to press forward?

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