A growing coalition of citizens from across California seeking common sense regulations to protect communities from the harmful consequences of Battery Energy Storage Fires. 11 counties so far, representing 21 million people

Triangle Exclamation Action Alert: Support AB303

It’s time for our state elected officials to listen to their constituents and not just the energy industry. The only way to do that is to act now!     

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Who are we?

We’re ordinary citizens from a growing list of California counties representing approximately 20 million Californians who are urging our state lawmakers to pay attention to the public safety and environmental issues surrounding battery energy storage facilities. Lawmakers and the CPUC are very responsive to the energy industry lobbyists and campaign funders but not to the actual constituents who get them elected. 


It’s time for our elected representatives to represent us and not the special interests. 

ACT NOW

What’s the risk?

91 large-scale lithium-ion BESS fires have occurred in the past decade or so, most happening since 2021. The industry itself makes very clear about the fact that fire risk cannot be eliminated. “Let it burn” is their answer to battery energy storage fires which is not acceptable. Aside from the toxic nature of lithium ion battery fires, they are hugely disruptive to communities who have to evacuate suddenly without notice.


Read the white paper on risk profiles here.

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Fires release toxins

Battery energy storage system (BESS) fires are happening every month, 48 fires since 2021. These fires release toxic chemicals into the air, disrupt communities and impact the local environment. 


Industry best practices are “let it burn,” which is not acceptable in sensitive areas or near homes and communities. In the January 2025 fire at Moss Landing, heavy metals were detected at high levels following their incident. 

“Extremely disturbing”: High levels of heavy metals at Monterey estuary after lithium battery site fire.

latimes.com

What do we want?

For our lawmakers to consider the community, fire safety and the environment when siting large BESS projects. We’d like to see: 

  • No (large scale) BESS is areas zoned for residential - industrial only
  • Setbacks of 3,200 feet from homes, hospitals, schools, other sensitive receptors.
  • No projects in Very High Fire Severity Zones.
  • No projects in flood emergency zones.
  • Local input into siting of projects.
  • Position paper will be posted here shortly.
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