The New Not-In-My-Backyard Rage and Its Impact on New York’s Green Energy Agenda
In recent years, lithium-ion battery storage facilities have become a contentious issue in New York City, with residents opposing the construction of dozens of new facilities across the five boroughs. The concerns center on the potential for toxic fires and infernos in residential neighborhoods, which could put the health and safety of local residents at risk.

• New York City Councilman Robert Holden
• Queens resident Graceann Faulkner
• Sam Brill, NineDot Energy spokesperson

According to Queens Councilman Robert Holden, the area where a proposed NineDot Energy battery warehouse stands next to a daycare, preschool, and animal hospital, poses a significant risk to the community. Holden expressed his concerns in an interview, stating: “Why are we putting our children in a dangerous situation?”
A lifelong resident of Middle Village, Graceann Faulkner, echoed Holden’s concerns, saying that she would pull her fifth-grade daughter from PS 128 if plans for the battery storage facility power ahead. Faulkner emphasized that the potential risks outweigh any perceived benefits of the facility. Sam Brill, NineDot Energy spokesperson, defended the safety of the battery storage facilities, stating that the FDNY would not permit their construction if they were not safe. Brill cited the example of a NineDot battery facility in the Bronx, which has operated for years 40 feet away from a public school.

The Concerns Surrounding Battery Storage Facilities

The concerns surrounding battery storage facilities are multifaceted. One major issue is the potential for fires, which could be difficult to extinguish due to the highly flammable nature of lithium-ion batteries.

• California’s Public Utilities Commission
• New York State Energy and Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Following a series of fires in California, the Public Utilities Commission tightened up safety rules for battery storage facilities. This change highlights the growing concern over the risks associated with these facilities. NYSERDA, the state agency responsible for promoting and regulating energy storage, has acknowledged the concerns surrounding battery storage facilities. The agency has stated that energy storage will help achieve New York’s aggressive climate goals, but also emphasized the need for safety measures to protect the public.

The Impact on New York’s Green Energy Agenda

The opposition to battery storage facilities has the potential to significantly impact New York’s green energy agenda. The state has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy.

• Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
• NYSERDA

Under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. The state also plans to generate 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035, 6,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2025, and build 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030. Despite the challenges posed by the opposition to battery storage facilities, NYSERDA remains committed to achieving the state’s climate goals. The agency has stated that energy storage will play a crucial role in helping New York meet its targets.

Quotes from Local Officials

Several local officials have expressed their concerns about the potential risks associated with battery storage facilities.

“Battery storage facilities should not be located next to people’s homes or gas stations,” said Vito Fossella, Borough President of Staten Island. “It’s clearly a rush job. We’re not crying wolf. This is a hazard waiting to happen,” Fossella added.

“They’re putting them up in residential areas. The rage from residents… is palpable,” said Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. “We’re not crying wolf. This is a hazard waiting to happen,” said Borough President Fossella.

The Regulatory Framework

The city’s energy storage regulations, crafted by the FDNY and Buildings Department, are widely regarded as among the strongest in the country. However, officials in New York City and other localities have the authority to approve or reject battery storage facilities with lower capacity under 80 megawatts.

The New York State Public Service Commission has the authority to locate battery energy storage facilities with a capacity of at least 80 megawatts. However, local officials have the authority to approve or reject facilities with lower capacity.

Conclusion

The opposition to battery storage facilities in New York City is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for the state’s green energy agenda. While officials argue that the facilities are safe, local residents remain concerned about the potential risks to their health and safety. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will impact New York’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.