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Monterey Park council asks staff to study battery energy storage systems after public safety concerns
Summary
Following extensive public comment about battery energy storage systems (BESS) linked to data center clusters, the council directed staff to research what the city can lawfully regulate and return with recommendations — noting state law may preempt some local actions.
After hearing public concerns about fire, leakage and other risks associated with battery energy storage systems (BESS), the Monterey Park City Council directed staff to research the issue and return with recommendations. Several residents and speakers urged the council to include standalone BESS facilities in future regulatory work because they share many of the same concerns raised about data centers.
Council member Goh moved to direct staff to research BESS regulatory options and legal constraints; colleagues supported the referral while noting some state laws could limit local authority. Council members asked staff to consult state representatives as needed and to report back with a scope of options and any recommended code language or next steps. Staff accepted the direction and listed the BESS research as a planned follow-up task.
