Community leaders oppose Long Island battery energy storage systems over safety concerns

During the Long Beach City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the planned installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across Long Island, including Staten Island. A local resident voiced strong opposition, highlighting the potential dangers these systems pose to nearby communities.

The resident pointed to incidents in California, specifically at the Vista BESS facility, to illustrate the risks associated with these energy storage systems. They warned that when these batteries catch fire, they cannot be extinguished and can release toxic metals into the environment, threatening agriculture, wildlife, and drinking water supplies. The resident emphasized that Staten Island alone is set to receive 52 of these systems, raising alarms about the safety and health implications for residents.

The discussion underscored a broader debate about the balance between advancing green energy initiatives and ensuring community safety. The resident criticized the financial motivations behind these projects, describing them as a "green energy climate scam" that profits from selling energy back to the grid at peak prices, potentially at the expense of taxpayers.

As the meeting concluded, the resident expressed hope for a larger movement to halt these developments, suggesting that changes in subsidies or tariffs could be a way forward. The council's response to these concerns and the future of the battery storage projects remain to be seen, but the meeting highlighted a growing tension between renewable energy goals and community safety.