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Vacaville council holds study session on utility-scale battery storage as large, often emotional public turnout urges ban on lithium-ion systems
Summary
A packed Dec. 9 study session drew extensive public testimony and county officials to the Vacaville City Council as staff laid out a draft ordinance for utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). Councilmembers signaled they will pursue stringent local rules and seek state-level changes to limit high-risk chemistries.
Vacaville ' The Vacaville City Council on Dec. 9 heard more than two hours of public comment and a staff presentation during a study session on utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), a technology state law encourages and that several energy companies have proposed to site near the city.
Senior planner Albert Enoltz told the council staff's draft ordinance would allow large, front-of-meter BESS only in limited zones (public facility, industrial park and business park), exclude high or very-high wildfire hazard areas and Nut Tree Airport compatibility zones, and require a rigorous permitting process that includes a preliminary community meeting, technical analysis and a public benefit plan. Enoltz said the draft uses a 300-foot buffer from sensitive receptors (residences, hospitals, nursing homes) and is modeled in part on Solano County's ordinance; the city currently has a moratorium on new BESS projects that expires May 14, 2026.
The session drew more…
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