Town of Union keeps public hearing open on proposed temporary moratorium for battery storage projects

The Town of Union Board opened a public hearing April 15 on a proposed local law titled “Implementing A Temporary Moratorium Within The Town Of Union On The Development And Construction Of Certain Battery Storage Energy Systems.” The hearing was published and posted April 5, 2026, and the board left the record open for additional comment.

Sarah Campell, an attorney with HHK representing Oakdale Battery Storage, asked the board to record a request to exempt Oakdale’s project from the moratorium, saying the company had applied before the moratorium was posted. Town Attorney Alan Pope said he would be in contact with her to discuss next steps. The board did not rule on the exemption request and kept the public hearing open.

During public comment, a resident identifying himself only as John of Rhodes Road said he had researched battery storage units and warned that some contractors use lower-cost equipment that can release toxic gas in a fire, potentially triggering shelter-in-place orders. Supervisor Robert Mack responded that the Town can negotiate setbacks and contest siting decisions; he also said the board had sent 16 resolutions to Broome County representatives and the governor’s office seeking restoration of home-rule authority over energy projects in the area.

Why it matters: Municipal moratoria and local rules for energy infrastructure affect where and how utility-scale projects are built and can establish safety, setback and permitting standards. The town’s decision to leave the hearing open means additional public input and potential refinements to the proposed local law before any final vote.

Next steps: The public hearing remains open; the board did not set a final decision date during the April 15 meeting. Town Attorney Alan Pope said he would follow up with Oakdale’s counsel about the exemption request.