Safety Concerns Grow Over Battery Storage Projects
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Long Islanders raising alarms about risks from large-scale BESS installations.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Long Island residents on Tuesday to highlight concerns about New York’s push to expand Battery Energy Storage Systems in densely populated communities.
State officials have moved to accelerate approvals for large-scale storage facilities under laws such as the RAPID Act, part of New York’s 2025 budget. The initiative is tied to the state’s goal of reaching six gigawatts of storage capacity by 2030. Since 2019, more than 6,000 storage projects totaling 440 megawatts have already been connected to the grid.
While supporters argue that battery storage improves grid reliability and supports renewable energy, recent lithium battery fires nationwide have fueled opposition. Zeldin pointed to incidents in California and Hawaii where fires burned for days, releasing toxic gases and posing hazards to first responders.
The EPA has developed specialized protocols for deactivating and disposing of lithium batteries, making it the only federal agency with standardized procedures for these incidents. Zeldin said the agency’s new guidance aims to provide communities, utilities, and emergency responders with resources on BESS risks and safety practices.
Learn more: Battery Energy Storage Systems (pdf)
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for EPOnlne.
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