BESS ordinance

Green Foothills' representative praised farmland, fire and floodplain protections but asked the ordinance to exclude BESS from critical habitat, wildlife corridors and wetlands, require biological assessments for larger sites, and mandate wildlife-friendly fencing, lighting and noise standards.

A San Juan councilman with 40 years in hazardous waste voiced full support, stressing the county's need for tax revenue and the air-quality benefits of moving off burning fuels for energy.

A 38-year Aromas resident asked that the ordinance go back to the ad hoc committee before reaching the Board, and said she'll deliver a side-by-side review document with recommended changes by October 28.

Speaking for 3CE, she warned the siting restrictions could effectively ban battery storage in the county, cited AB 205 state permitting as the consequence, and asked for additional viability mapping and another round of revisions.

IBEW Local 234's representative applauded the C-10 contractor and ESAMTAC training requirements, shared concerns about site feasibility and the 50,000-gallon on-site water requirement, and suggested extending hardscape zones to reduce fire risk and water needs.

The California Energy Storage Alliance's executive director argued setback and fire-zone exclusion requirements exceed the evidence, citing San Diego data showing no toxic emissions beyond 50 feet and sister counties' 100-foot setbacks.

Longroad Energy's representative said some provisions can't physically be met (soil testing on land applicants can't enter; geo-liners causing water pooling), called the draft the most restrictive in California, and asked for a continuance to a date certain.

The Aromas policy advocate praised the June pause and the NMC ban but asked for a one-to-two-month continuation with county-selected independent experts publicly weighing in on liability, cleanup costs, and community benefit.

Longroad Energy's rep said rigorous codes already exist (NFPA 855, UL 9540A), asked to work with commissioners directly, and asked the county to process the company's CUP while the ordinance is finalized.

A San Juan Bautista resident commended the owner-responsibility language for thermal runaway but worried about enforceability in a catastrophic event.

The IBEW Local 234 rep urged the county to move forward reasonably, warning that state energy goals and AB 205 mean projects can bypass local control, and noting his firsthand Moss Landing experience.

Central Coast Community Energy's rep warned that exclusion zones could leave no viable local permitting path, pushing projects to state approval under AB 205 — as happened with a 300 MW project approved after local denial.

Green Foothills' advocate asked for clarity on agricultural land protections, wildlife corridor safeguards between the Diablo, Gabilan and Santa Cruz ranges, and strong zoning rules especially if Prop 4/45 limits CEQA.