People who live near Moss Landing still have more questions than answers about the massive fire that started Jan. 16, 2025, at the world’s second-largest battery storage facility.
Battery storage
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Supervisors move battery storage rules forward to environmental review; some residents are disappointed
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve new regulations for battery storage facilities, despite opposition from residents who want a more stringent ordinance. The rules will now undergo environmental review.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Latest version of county’s proposed battery storage rules includes water, soil monitoring, insurance bonds for developers
Santa Cruz County officials published an updated version of proposed regulations for battery storage facilities ahead of a second hearing on the proposed rules on Tuesday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County to hold new vote on battery storage regulations in January
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a hearing on rules regulating the development of battery storage facilities in January. This follows a vote to delay a discussion of the ordinance for at least three months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Citing safety concerns, Santa Cruz County supervisors delay new battery storage law for up to three months
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors put off passing new rules regulating battery storage facilities for up to three months after elected officials raised concerns Tuesday with a proposed ordinance drafted by county staff.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County supervisors delay new battery storage law for up to three months, citing safety concerns
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to put off passing new rules governing battery storage facilities for as long as three months, after several supervisors raised concerns with a proposed ordinance drafted by the county.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Tuesday hearing on battery storage ordinance a crucial green energy test
A busy week in Santa Cruz County politics and policy kicks off with the county’s proposed ordinance on battery energy storage systems is set for a hearing before supervisors Tuesday. The Santa Cruz City Council revisits a temporary path to help businesses and residents around the Murray Street Bridge, and Capitola holds a catch-all town hall.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Battery storage developer backs Santa Cruz County’s proposed new rules ahead of Tuesday vote
New Leaf Energy, the developer behind the proposed battery storage facility near Watsonville, tells Lookout that the company is hopeful the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will move ahead on new regulations for battery plants on Tuesday.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Santa Cruz County’s open approach to battery storage puts safety and community first
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. Over the past year, Santa Cruz County has been doing something few communities have attempted: building one of the most rigorous, safety-focused battery energy storage ordinances in California and possibly the nation. As renewable energy grows rapidly, we […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Bruce McPherson: I support a battery energy storage ordinance that addresses climate change and ensures local safety
Former supervisor Bruce McPherson urges the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to move forward with a new battery energy storage system ordinance on Tuesday. He argues it is essential for climate action and local safety. He says the rules directly respond to the Moss Landing fire by banning volatile battery chemistries, requiring fire-safe containers and mandating strict inspections. McPherson argues that battery storage is critical to cutting fossil fuels, preventing power outages and keeping local control over projects like the one proposed on Minto Road outside Watsonville.