In New York, there’s a new ally for those opposing the establishment of large battery energy plants in their areas: Lee Zeldin, the U.S. environmental administrator.
Zeldin, a former congressman from Long Island, is set to hold a press conference in Houpoge on Monday to address the environmental safety concerns surrounding the “battery energy storage system.”
While he doesn’t outright criticize battery energy storage systems (BESS), Zeldin intends to release new guidance from the EPA, allowing local communities to weigh the environmental dangers posed by such facilities.
“Just because something is labeled as ‘green energy’ doesn’t mean it’s free from environmental consequences,” Zeldin remarked, sharing his thoughts with the press.
He criticized the unrealistic green energy aspirations promoted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrats in Albany, especially amid growing apprehension over a rise in battery storage plants across various regions like Staten Island, Queens, and Upstate New York.
“Residents are understandably worried about the dangers posed by lithium battery fires in these facilities, which have already caused considerable harm,” he noted, referencing how partisan agendas might overlook genuine safety concerns.
“New Yorkers, particularly in urban areas and Long Island, have made their preferences clear: they do not want battery energy storage systems in their neighborhoods.”
The state is actively pushing to expand its battery energy storage systems as part of its ambitious climate targets, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving 100% zero carbon emissions by 2040 in line with the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Zeldin argued that the Democratic administration seems intent on phasing out reliable energy sources like natural gas in favor of its climate goals.
“The state’s efforts to safely tap into natural gas, along with the new regulations on gas stoves and vehicles, appear to prioritize an agenda over the safety and comfort of New Yorkers,” he stated.
He pointed to recent incidents in California and Hawaii to underscore the serious risks that such battery energy facilities pose to communities and emergency responders.
Officials from Hochul’s administration countered that opposing the nation’s environmental chief contradicts the progress being made on clean energy initiatives aimed at decreasing carbon emissions and diversifying power sources.
“Zeldin’s role is to advocate for the environment, yet his actions seem contrary to that,” commented Ken Lovett, a senior advisor on energy and the environment for Hochul.
“His continued criticism of clean energy initiatives could ultimately harm residents across New York and contradict federal goals for energy independence,” Lovett added.
He emphasized that while other states are rapidly investing in energy storage solutions to enhance grid reliability, Zeldin’s perspective risks leaving New York’s economy behind.
According to Hochul’s office, New York recently enacted stringent battery energy storage regulations to ensure the safe development of these facilities.
Six former urban fire safety officials, including ex-FDNY commissioner Tom von Essen, have lauded these new restrictions.
Since 2019, New York has sanctioned over 6,000 battery storage projects, resulting in a capacity of 440 megawatts, with 1.3 gigawatts already contracted, and a target of 6 gigawatts by 2030, as reported by the EPA.
The state has also passed legislation that significantly enhances its authority to override local objections regarding large renewable energy projects that exceed 25 megawatts.
Although the Hoopage facility isn’t subjected to state overrides, local residents have expressed considerable unease.
Concerns revolve around potential toxic emissions during fires, including pollutants like hydrofluoric acid that could contaminate local waterways and groundwater.
