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Public urges moratorium, soil testing and tighter rules for battery storage after Moss Landing fire
Summary
Several residents called on the board to adopt an emergency moratorium and to require independent safety reviews and soil testing for grid‑scale lithium battery storage projects following the Moss Landing facility fire.
Multiple community members used public comment at the Feb. 11 Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting to urge the board to adopt an emergency moratorium on grid‑scale lithium battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the county while staff and independent experts evaluate siting and safety standards.
Speakers referenced the recent Moss Landing facility fire and said the county should follow Monterey County’s lead in seeking extensive independent review. Public commenters asked the county to seek California Department of Toxic Substances Control and CalEPA assistance to test soils and to form an advisory committee of independent industry and safety experts to advise the board on siting and regulation. Diane Nicole asked county staff to reach persistently to state agencies to request soil testing near Moss Landing; others pointed to the risk to agriculture, groundwater and nearby schools.
Several speakers named a proposed project connected with New Leaf Energy (public comments referenced Minto Road addresses variously as 19 Minto Road and 90 Minto Road) and said they were concerned about proximity to sensitive receptors including schools, parks and agricultural irrigation infrastructure. Public speakers also urged the board to evaluate alternative storage technologies and Assembly Bill 303 was cited by one speaker as a state‑level vehicle that would return more siting control to local jurisdictions.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and said staff is already engaged with county and regional agencies on BESS permitting and safety. No formal action, moratorium or ordinance was taken by the board in this meeting; multiple speakers asked the board to schedule the topic for formal board consideration and proper public notice.
Speakers included Becky Steinbruner, Gregory Audino, Marilyn Garrett, Diane Nicole and others. Staff and board members who responded said the county will coordinate with relevant agencies and that some permitting steps remain in department workflows.
