Batavia City Council Proposes Six-Month Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems

The Batavia City Council plans to discuss a proposed Local Law for a six-month moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). City Manager Rachael Tabelski emphasized the need for additional time to review safety regulations and best practices due to recent public safety concerns related to lithium-ion battery fires. The review aims to assess emergency response protocols and environmental safeguards.

Published Mar 22, 2026

The Batavia City Council is set to discuss a proposed Local Law for a six-month moratorium on processing land use applications for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). City Manager Rachael Tabelski recommended this pause to allow for a comprehensive review of the City Code and potential amendments related to BESS.

AI-curated by Theia

Recent incidents of lithium-ion battery fires in New York State have raised public safety concerns, necessitating a thorough evaluation of fire suppression practices, emergency response readiness, and environmental protections. Stakeholders, including the Planning and Development Committee and local emergency services, support this initiative.