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 […]
Battery storage
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville City Council wants more say in county’s battery storage ordinance
As Santa Cruz County officials work on battery storage facility regulations, members of the Watsonville City Council say they want their concerns to be heard.
Posted inEnvironment
County publishes new draft battery storage rules ahead of first hearing on Nov. 18
After delays, Santa Cruz County officials publish more stringent plans to regulate battery storage facilities ahead of the first public hearings on on the proposed new rules Nov. 18.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘We’re asking for safeguards’: Tensions flare at Watsonville town hall on planned Santa Cruz County battery storage safety law
Weeks before the board of supervisors is scheduled to have the first hearing on a proposed battery storage ordinance, District 4 County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez hosted the informational town hall Monday night at Watsonville’s city hall. Residents came armed with questions — and concerns.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Developer New Leaf assures Watsonville officials its battery storage project would meet safety standards
Massachusetts-based New Leaf Energy briefed the Watsonville City Council this week on details of its proposed $200 million battery storage facility, saying the project would meet all local and statewide requirements.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom signs Laird’s battery storage safety bill in wake of Moss Landing fire
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a new law, authored by state Sen. John Laird, requiring battery storage developers to coordinate with local fire departments before submitting an application for their projects, following a massive fire at a facility in Moss Landing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County supervisors will take up Watsonville battery storage plant safety issues Nov. 18
After the Moss Landing battery plant fire, New Leaf Energy’s plan to build a storage facility outside Watsonville has gotten more controversial. As Santa Cruz County’s environment commission finalizes its recommendations, the board of supervisors will decide how to move forward in November.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Ask Lookout: Is Santa Cruz County considering additional locations for battery storage facilities?
Santa Cruz County residents are concerned that the battery storage facility proposed outside Watsonville is not the only possible location within the county for battery storage. County officials and developers say the South County project is the only pending application and viable location.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Battery storage developer aims to advance Watsonville project before next summer, regardless of Santa Cruz County’s rules
Santa Cruz County supervisors postponed battery storage rules until August 2026, a delay that could push developer New Leaf Energy to sidestep local review and seek faster state approval for its $200 million project.
