"California must prioritize safety at every step when expanding battery storage to meet its clean energy goals, Laird, who represents Santa Cruz County and the Moss Landing area in the California Assembly, said in a release. SB 283 ensures that future battery storage facilities are developed with safety and the community in mind, and that our fire officials are involved in every step along the way."
"The Moss Landing storage facility, owned by Texas-based energy company Vistra, was the world's largest of its kind until Jan. 16 when a fire erupted inside the plant and consumed about 55% of the facility's 100,000 battery modules over the course of five days. The site, which also experienced a flare-up a few days after the original fire, is currently the subject of the largest lithium-ion battery cleanup in the Environmental Protection Agency's history."
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 283 on Oct. 7 and its provisions take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The law strengthens safety standards for new battery storage facilities and requires greater coordination with local fire officials during development and construction. Developers must engage with local fire authorities prior to submitting an application to address facility design, assess risks, and integrate emergency response plans, building on Senate Bill 38 passed in 2023. The law mandates a facility safety inspection before plants go online, with owners covering inspection costs. The Moss Landing fire destroyed about 55% of 100,000 battery modules and prompted the measures.
Read at www.santacruzsentinel.com
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