Public raises safety, equity concerns over proposed battery storage near Minto Road; board urged moratorium and state action

At the March 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, several residents and community organizations urged the county to place a moratorium on lithium‑ion utility‑scale battery storage projects proposed for South County, citing the 2023 Moss Landing battery fire and concerns about fire spread, toxic emissions and disproportionate siting in rural communities.

Public commenters — including farmers, environmental advocates and school and health advocates — said the county should not approve projects near schools, homes and agricultural land until independent safety testing and stronger state regulations are in place. “We don’t need to be guinea pigs for the Bay Area,” a Minto Road resident told the board, asking for safer alternatives such as sodium‑ion or other non‑flammable chemistries.

Speakers also sought county support for AB 303 (authorities discussed in public testimony) and for a county‑level health survey to document any air‑quality impacts. Becky Steinbruner, speaking remotely, asked the board to follow the example of other counties that have placed a temporary moratorium and to write in support of state legislation aimed at strengthening local permitting authority.

County staff did not present an item for action. Board members acknowledged the public concern and several supervisors suggested convening additional public meetings, coordinating with state and regional agencies and seeking more data to guide policy. No moratorium or formal action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: The board heard repeated calls for a pause on new lithium‑ion battery energy storage siting until further safety and health data are available and suggested staff bring back options for public engagement and potential regulatory responses.