A group of community members filed a lawsuit against Vistra Corp., a Texas-based company that owns the Moss Landing power plant and battery storage facility. The lawsuit demands a full investigation into what caused the fire on Jan. 16, compensation for damages caused by the incident and updating safety and fire prevention measures.
Battery storage
The Moss Landing fire – where do we go from here?
The battery fire at Moss Landing requires a complete, independent investigation, writes state Sen. John Laird, and the public deserves to know how the fire started, how future fires can be prevented and the possible health and ecological impacts of the fire. There are no lithium standards in California, he writes, but says if Vistra’s battery plant does get rebuilt in Moss Landing, “it should be with newer, safer technology.”
Moss Landing battery fire leads to health fears, evidence of contamination and concerns about overreaction
Residents around the Moss Landing battery facility in northern Monterey County describe experiences of sore throats and other symptoms. The energy storage industry insists that this incident is an extreme outlier.
Supervisors push for local soil, water testing after Moss Landing battery fire
Santa Cruz County supervisors ordered county staff to help with soil and water testing in South County after a fire at a nearby Moss Landing battery storage facility caused high levels of toxic heavy metal contamination at nearby Elkhorn Slough and local residents complained of exposure symptoms.
High levels of toxic heavy metals found in soil at Elkhorn Slough Reserve following Moss Landing fire
Researchers from San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories found high levels of nickel, manganese and cobalt in soil at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve following the fire that sparked Jan. 16 at a battery storage facility in Moss Landing.
Making sense of the giant Moss Landing fire that could set back energy storage
Last week’s blaze at the Moss Landing Power Plant could have been worse because of the plant’s design and the types of batteries used.
In wake of battery plant fire, Santa Cruz County supervisors plan briefing; Central Coast lawmakers call for investigation
After last week’s fire at the Moss Landing battery plant forced evacuations and caused health and environmental concerns, calls for accountability have increased. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hold a briefing next week, while Central Coast lawmakers have called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Moss Landing fire impact: Officials offer reassurance as some locals worry and wonder
Almost a week after the fire at a power plant and battery storage facility in Moss Landing, officials say air quality in nearby northern Monterey County and southern Santa Cruz County is safe and do not see any health risks. Vistra, the facility’s owner, says it is conducting its own investigation into the fire.
Moss Landing battery fire ignites frustration, throws skepticism over another battery facility eyed for Santa Cruz County
As flames continue to burn at Moss Landing’s battery facility, a proposed $200 million Santa Cruz County project faces heightened scrutiny. Local leaders have demanded stricter safety measures and accountability, and are questioning if the risks of an energy storage project outweigh its benefits.
Evacuation orders lifted as Moss Landing Power Plant fire continues to burn
Firefighters were allowing a large blaze at a power plant and battery storage facility in Moss Landing to burn itself out, as Monterey County officials lifted evacuation orders for nearby neighborhoods Friday afternoon. Highway 1 remained closed indefinitely in area around the power plant.

