San Diego County Implements New Policies After Lithium Battery Fire

Following a lithium battery fire at an Escondido storage facility, San Diego County supervisors approved new policies to regulate future energy-storage sites in unincorporated areas. The decision, made on a 4-1 vote, includes additional requirements for fire suppression technical reports to enhance safety measures for battery energy storage systems (BESS). This move comes amid public concerns regarding the safety of such facilities, especially after the fire led to evacuation orders for nearby businesses. Supervisor Lawson-Remer emphasized the need for battery storage infrastructure to meet climate goals while ensuring the health and safety of residents. Despite the approval of new policies, some supervisors, like Jim Desmond, expressed the need for a moratorium on non-container facilities, highlighting the ongoing debate about the balance between safety and climate action. Community members have voiced their concerns about existing BESS projects, citing issues such as noise pollution and potential risks to local watersheds. Critics argue that a moratorium could hinder job creation and the county's climate action objectives, while supporters of BESS facilities point out their role in preventing blackouts during extreme weather conditions. The recent fire incident, although contained in an industrial area, has reignited calls from residents for stricter regulations on lithium battery storage facilities, especially those proposed near residential neighborhoods. The county's decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for safety measures in the face of increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.