Lackawanna council bans battery energy storage systems citywide, citing fire and land-use risks

The Lackawanna City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new ordinance (city code 230-40) prohibiting battery energy storage systems (BESS) in all city zoning districts, saying the installations pose public-safety and land-use risks.

City staff member Chuck, who presented the proposal, told the council these private, large-scale lithium-ion storage sites do not align with the city’s comprehensive-plan goals for employment, revenue and infrastructure. "A battery storage facility in, in layman's terms, is a, a several acre parcel...of very large...lithium ion storage batteries," Chuck said during the presentation. He cited recent high-profile fires in other states and local site constraints — including slag fill and a lack of water and infrastructure on portions of the former Bethlehem Steel property — as reasons the city should bar such developments for now.

The fire department representative warned the council that lithium-ion conflagrations are difficult and dangerous to fight. "Very, very difficult, very dangerous, and to firefighters and the occupants too," the representative said, explaining that internal suppression systems can fail and fires can persist. Staff noted that some neighboring jurisdictions have faced multi-day blazes at similar facilities.

Supporters of the ordinance said the prohibition is intended to protect nearby homes, playgrounds and community facilities by avoiding placement of high-risk infrastructure where setbacks and emergency response are insufficient. The ordinance text states its purpose is to "continue the orderly economic development of and protect the public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life in the city of Lackawanna."

Councilor Moreno moved to adopt the ordinance and Anderson seconded; the motion carried on a 5–0 roll-call vote. The ordinance as adopted does not list an ordinance number in the record; the council directed that the mayor be authorized to execute implementing documents as needed.

The council’s action is regulatory: it amends city zoning rules to prohibit private BESS facilities citywide. Staff and the fire department said the prohibition should remain until sites with adequate setbacks, infrastructure and demonstrably robust suppression systems can be identified. The council did not discuss any grandfathering or permitting exceptions during the meeting.