Battery Energy Storage Systems

Spoke in favor of adopting a resolution opposing NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) overreach and calling for restored local authority over industrial energy projects.

Expressed severe concern over a proposed BESS facility in New Scotland near her home, citing proximity to wells, fire risks, lack of water, and toxic gas hazards.

Requested support and opposition from the Town of Guilderland regarding the New Scotland BESS project.

Expressed fear as a cancer survivor living near the proposed BESS site regarding fire safety and toxic emissions.

Highlighted safety, noise, setback, and water supply concerns regarding commercial battery storage facilities.

Revisited concerns about the 600 kW threshold in Local Law No. 1 and questioned local firefighting capabilities for such energy storage systems.

Supported the moratorium, expressing concerns about fire risks, water supply limits, and whether rural areas have the infrastructure for battery storage.

Supported the moratorium but questioned the 600-watt limit in the draft text and raised concerns about industrial zoning and open space protection.

Supported the moratorium, noting potential impacts on homeowners' insurance rates and volunteer fire department resources.

Supported the moratorium on utility-scale battery storage to allow proper municipal stewardship, lifecycle planning, and safety evaluation.