“Not today,” the community said. “Not ever.”
At a recent public hearing the Islip Board voted to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems (BESS) for another 12 months, continuing opposition to the development of lithium-ion battery facilities within the township.
The original moratorium, enacted March 19, 2024, was set to expire September 30, but the board’s vote ensures it will remain through fall 2025.
The decision comes amid mounting public concern over a proposed 79-megawatt BESS facility on Rabro Drive in Hauppauge’s industrial park, a project backed by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). While the plant would serve regional energy needs, critics say risks outweigh benefits.
Last month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, of Shirley, joined local leaders at a press conference hosted by the Hauppauge Fire Department, warning of potential dangers such facilities pose — including toxic runoff, long-burning fires, and evacuations.
The fire department thanked the town via social media following the vote, writing: “This step gives us time to pursue zoning changes that would restrict where facilities can be placed… the fight is not over.”
At Tuesday’s hearing, Hauppauge Fire Commissioner Scott Munro was among the most vocal opponents. “As a proud fifth-generation resident of Hauppauge, the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority,” he said.
Citing a past fire at a 5-megawatt facility in East Hampton — which led to contaminated drinking water, soil damage, and a 1-mile evacuation zone — Munro raised alarms about the scale of the Hauppauge proposal:
“The East Hampton facility was only 5 megawatts,” said Munro, “whereas this proposed facility is 79 megawatts.”
He also warned of the strain such a fire could place on resources. “Our 130-member volunteer fire department would face significant challenges in managing an event.”
Munro closed with this: “Local issues deserve local solutions.”