Monterey County urges statewide fire-and-siting rules after Moss Landing battery fire; board backs SB 283, delays decision on AB 303

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted April 15 to support SB 283, a state Senate bill that would incorporate the NFPA 855 battery-storage standards into California building code and require local fire consultation and inspection, and to hold off on a final position on AB 303, an Assembly bill that would set setback and siting restrictions pending further staff analysis.

The action followed more than an hour of public comment from residents and environmental groups who described health, safety and environmental harms after the January Moss Landing battery-storage fire and urged stricter rules. “Please support both of these bills,” said Brian Rotor, a Salinas resident, adding that greater setbacks and local input are needed for the protection of schools, farms and neighborhoods. “Your yes votes are for the protection of your constituents.”

Why it matters: county residents and elected officials said Moss Landing showed gaps in oversight and response for large, utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). SB 283 (Sen. John Laird) seeks to tighten construction, operation and inspection standards, while AB 303 (Asm. Don Addis) would prohibit large…