Queens, NY (February 20, 2026) - Ahead of the construction of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in his district and in response to complaints for such facilities expressed by his constituents, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., shared serious concerns about the siting of large-scale battery storage facilities in proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods.

“While battery energy storage plays a role in our state’s clean energy future and we are in need for more electrical power, public safety must always come first,” said Addabbo. “When a large-scale lithium facility is proposed directly across from a school, we must rethink the placement of these facilities and work towards placing them away from schools and residences.”

Recent documented incidents in other states highlight acute safety risks associated with lithium-ion battery storage facilities during failure events:

• In Surprise, Arizona (2019), a thermal runaway event at a battery storage site resulted in an explosion that severely injured four firefighters, as documented by the Fire Safety Research Institute.
• In Moss Landing, California (2025), a large-scale battery fire led to evacuation orders affecting approximately 1,500 residents. Federal and local officials conducted air monitoring for hydrogen fluoride, a toxic combustion byproduct, and independent soil testing identified elevated heavy metals in nearby wetlands. Residents reported headaches and respiratory irritation following the incident.
• In Warwick, New York (2023–2025), multiple battery storage fires occurred at a facility operated by Convergent Energy & Power. During a 2025 incident, hydrogen cyanide, a known toxic gas, was detected in air samples during the event.
  
   

Although there are currently no long-term epidemiological studies linking Battery Energy Storage Systems directly to increased cancer or chronic disease rates, documented incidents demonstrate real-world risks and concerns, including:

• Toxic gas release during fires
• Smoke exposure and respiratory irritation
• Large-scale evacuations
• Severe injury risk to emergency responders
• Environmental contamination concerns
  
   

“Even in cases where air monitoring did not exceed federal thresholds, we’ve seen evacuations, public health advisories, and measurable toxic gas detections during fire events,” Addabbo said. “The disruption to communities, particularly when children are involved, is significant.”

In response to concerns about the siting of these facilities, Senator Addabbo highlights the importance of his legislation, S.7197B (A6955C Williams), to establish clearer safety and siting standards for battery energy storage systems in New York.

Specifically, Addabbo’s bill, S.7197B, would:

• Require a minimum 250-foot setback from homes, farms, and schools for certain battery storage systems
• Mandate financial surety requirements, such as bonds or insurance, to ensure funds are available in the event of an incident or decommissioning
• Provide municipalities with model laws and guidance on battery storage siting
• Require a community hearing before approval of large commercial battery storage systems in New York City
• Clarify that towns and villages may establish local regulations, but are not required to amend their codes
  
   

“Battery storage facilities should not be placed directly next to dense populations,” Addabbo added. “S.7197B strikes a responsible balance. One that supports clean energy goals while ensuring adequate setbacks, financial accountability, and meaningful community input.”

The proposed Middle Village facility across from P.S. 128 has prompted concern among parents, educators, and residents seeking greater clarity about potential risks, emergency response protocols, and long-term safety measures. Senator Addabbo opposes the proposed battery storage facility adjacent to the school P.S. 128. 

“As we move forward, we must prioritize precautionary siting standards, transparency, and local involvement well before possible construction starts,” concluded Addabbo. “Our children’s safety and our community’s peace of mind must always remain our number one priority.”