Senators To Hochul: Pull The Plug On Battery Project

Two Suffolk County state senators are demanding Gov. Kathy Hochul hit the brakes on a massive Manorville battery storage project, warning that a potential fire could threaten lives, drinking water and the environment.

State Sens. Dean Murray and Anthony Palumbo fired off an October 13 letter urging Hochul to halt the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) until serious safety questions are answered.

Their biggest concern? The proposed facility would be 30 times larger than any existing BESS facility on Long Island, according to their letter.

“When it comes to the question of safety at these BESS facilities, there are simply too many important questions that have yet to be answered and I'm not willing to move forward without those answers and gamble with the safety of my constituents,” Murray said.

The lawmakers pointed to a May 2023 battery facility fire in East Hampton, where they say chemicals used in fire suppression likely contaminated drinking water.

Their letter cites a pending federal lawsuit alleging environmental damage and drinking water contamination.

“God forbid a fire does break out at this massive facility, our firefighters need more of a plan than, ‘let it burn’, which is the state's official policy for such fires,” Murray added.

In their letter, the senators warned that unanswered questions surrounding battery storage facilities pose potential dangers to residents, firefighters and the environment.

They urged Hochul to suspend the Manorville project until first responders agree emergencies can be safely handled.

Palumbo echoed those concerns.

“Following the battery energy storage system (BESS) fire in East Hampton and the subsequent contamination of the area's drinking water, I believe it is prudent to pause further construction of battery storage facilities in Suffolk County,” Palumbo said.

Both senators insist public safety must come before construction.