Planning board urges Common Council to regulate battery storage rather than ban it

The Rome Planning Board on Aug. 11 unanimously recommended that the Common Council not adopt an outright prohibition on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and instead draft comprehensive, enforceable regulations to govern their location and operation.

Chair Mark Esposito read a prepared statement arguing a code-based approach gives the city the tools to distinguish between incompatible locations and appropriate industrial sites, and to require mitigation measures such as setbacks, fire-protection plans, noise controls and decommissioning. "I believe the planning board should recommend that the city not adopt an outright prohibition on battery energy storage systems, BESS," Esposito said. "I instead believe the city should establish reasonable, comprehensive, and enforceable regulations that address legitimate concerns associated with these facilities."

Esposito emphasized the approach would mirror how the city has regulated other controversial land uses: by setting objective standards rather than banning a use category. After offering the public another chance to comment (no new speakers offered remarks), the board approved a motion to recommend rejection of the proposed ban and to ask the Common Council to pursue a regulatory code instead. The vote was unanimous.