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Local officials continue opposition to proposed battery facility; community college's benefit agreement draws criticism
Summary
Council members reported ongoing opposition to a proposed battery energy storage facility near homes and schools, and criticized the South Orange County Community College District's acceptance of a $750,000 community benefits agreement with the project applicant; trustees reportedly may be seeking to withdraw from the agreement.
Laguna Niguel elected officials continued to describe regional opposition to a proposed lithium battery energy storage facility sited near homes, schools, rail lines and I-5. Council members said elected officials across affected cities are opposed to the project and that state and regional representatives have been asked to intervene.
Council Member Otto reported that state-level opposition has been expressed in correspondence and that local officials remain concerned about siting and safety. In remarks to the council, Otto and other members said they have coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions and filed opposition. The council noted that the California Energy Commission (CEC) requires applicants to submit community benefits agreements as part of some permitting processes.
Council members and speakers at recent public meetings criticized one local agency'the South Orange County Community College District'for approving a community benefits agreement that would have provided $750,000 to the district from the applicant (identified by speakers as ENGIE). According to speakers at a community college board meeting described by council members, about 20 members of the public spoke in opposition at that meeting and the college chancellor said the board had directed staff to try to withdraw from the previously signed agreement. Council members described the district's action as controversial and said some organizations have declined such payments to avoid appearing to support the project.
Why it matters: Council members said the facility would be sited near populated neighborhoods and schools and that the permitting process and community benefits agreements are playing a role in state-level approval decisions. Council members urged continued coordination with neighboring cities, county supervisors and state representatives.
No formal action or new local permit was taken by the Laguna Niguel City Council at this meeting; council members described continuing advocacy efforts and public engagement.
