Read our joint statement with Students for Climate Action!

Students for Climate Action (S4CA) and Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) are disappointed by the Town of Islip's decision to extend its already twice-extended moratorium on battery energy storage system (BESS) development for an unprecedented additional 12 months.  

Even more disappointed are the misconceptions and inaccurate statements that are frequently invoked and publicized to thwart BESS development. Battery storage is crucial to the future of Long Island. As renewable generation and energy demand increase, BESS have the ability to keep electricity on the grid, bringing down ratepayer costs and lowering the risk of blackouts. New York's recent Fire Code updates, in addition to technology, design and protection advancements, have made battery storage much safer. 

In fact, over the past seven years, the BESS fire incident rate has dropped by over 98%. When rare fires do break out, advanced suppressant systems are employed to contain hazards and prevent harm to neighboring communities. 

Municipalities through out New York are embracing battery storage in light of these positive developments. It's a shame that, instead of following suit, the Town of Islip extended their BESS moratorium for an entire year. Residents, environmental advocates, and developers deserve clarity- not repeated delays,

Nevertheless, S4CA and reLI remain committed to advancing clean energy and electricity infrastructure upgrades, including battery storage, across Long Island. We look forward to working with the Town of Islip to educate them on BESS safety, comment on forthcoming zoning regulations, and rescind this excessive moratorium. Our energy system, our environment, and the great people of Islip deserve nothing less.