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County records referral to study a moratorium on battery energy storage systems after Moss Landing fires
Summary
Supervisor Church’s referral seeks an urgency ordinance placing a temporary county moratorium on new battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities under local control while the county develops siting and safety regulations; staff said a formal item will return within ~30 days.
The county read into the Oct. 28 record a referral from Supervisor Church requesting an urgency ordinance to impose a temporary moratorium on battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities in unincorporated Monterey County while the county develops operational and siting regulations. The referral cites community health and safety concerns after recent fires linked to a BESS facility in Moss Landing and requests staff return with an ordinance and regulatory framework.
CAO staff described the referral as a readout and said a formal item would typically be brought back to the board within about 30 days for direction and possible action. Supervisors noted that the state regulates very large facilities (200 MW and above) but that many smaller projects fall within county discretion; the proposed moratorium would target those local projects while staff develops criteria for safety, siting and community protection.
No vote was taken on Oct. 28; staff will return with an item for board consideration.
