Green Island adopts one-year moratorium on battery storage and solar-farm permits

The Green Island Village Board voted to adopt Local Law No. 4 of 2025 on Dec. 5, imposing a temporary moratorium on approvals for battery energy storage systems and solar energy facilities while the village researches public-safety protocols and siting standards.

Chair (speaker 2) introduced the measure after a public hearing during which trustees and board members raised concerns about first-responder safety and limited operational guidance for battery storage facilities. Trustee (speaker 3) summarized the board’s intent: “So basically what this would allow us to do is just put a 1 year hold on approving any permits that would allow for each system while we can do some further research and get ourselves educated on, you know, the best needs and best fit and best approach to dealing with these.”

Trustees pointed to media reports of difficult battery fires and the operational challenges they present. Trustee (speaker 5) noted a technical hazard: “With the lithium ion batteries, they actually a byproduct of the burning is oxygen. So it basically feeds itself,” which board members said complicates firefighting tactics and training needs.

The law places a one-year pause on permit approvals for facilities of the described type; the board discussed the option to extend the moratorium if further study is required. Chair (speaker 2) said the moratorium is intended to give the village time to identify appropriate safety standards and training for emergency responders before new facilities are sited or permitted.

After no objections at the public hearing, the chair moved to adopt Local Law No. 4; Trustee (speaker 4) seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote. The law’s effective implementation steps and any follow-up reporting or study timeline were not specified during the meeting.