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Hempstead board enacts one-year moratorium on large battery storage projects after lengthy public comment
Summary
The Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously Feb. 25 to adopt a temporary one-year moratorium on large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities after nearly two hours of public comment that included safety worries and support for tighter local rules.
The Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to adopt a temporary one-year moratorium on large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities, approving the measure by roll call during a public meeting at Hempstead Town Hall.
The moratorium, described by the town attorney as a pause intended to allow the board time to consider safety, zoning and regulatory issues, drew dozens of speakers from Island Park, Long Beach, Point Lookout and surrounding communities. Speakers urged both a permanent ban and stronger local codes; others urged the board to adopt local standards rather than halt projects.
Town Attorney (unnamed) opened the discussion by asking board members to refrain from answering questions from the public, saying, “there could be litigation, and anything you say tonight may have an effect on that,” and noting he was “in possession of a letter…
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