Residents urge Skagit County to pause battery energy storage projects, cite safety and oversight concerns

Several people used the public‑comment period on April 21 to press commissioners to reconsider or pause proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Skagit County.

Elka McCartney, who identified herself for public comment, said she opposed BESS installations countywide and described safety and nuisance concerns: thermal‑runaway fires that can burn for long periods and emit hazardous smoke, audible operational noise and a perception that the county has relied too heavily on information from large private energy firms when making permitting decisions.

"Did you know about thermal runaway fires with smoke that spew life‑threatening toxins while the fire burns for weeks?" McCartney asked, urging commissioners to prioritize public health and safety over corporate presentations.

Another commenter read from letters and local advocacy groups raising similar concerns about prior incidents in other states and alleged incomplete contractor filings. The speaker said submitted documents did not specify lithium‑battery chemistries or manufacturers for some proposed projects, and asked whether the county would require clearer disclosure and more protective oversight.

Commissioners did not take a vote or announce a change in policy in response to those comments during the session. Other public commenters raised separate topics: Rebecca Peck warned of regional diesel shortages and rising fuel costs affecting farmers; Anthony Romano described concerns about missing records and alleged irregularities in a property easement swap; Lorena Humble (online) raised a local service question about recycling-bin rollout and spray‑painting.

The public‑comment segment concluded without formal action; residents and groups who asked the county to require clearer contractor specifications or to pause permitting may return with written material or requests for follow‑up from county staff.