Mayor McGinty Addresses Hempstead Town Board on Temporary Moratorium For Battery Energy Storage

February 27, 2025

On Tuesday 2/25, Mayor McGinty joined the Village Board and Island Park Fire Department Chief Gorton to address the Hempstead Town Board regarding the need for a temporary moratorium, and ultimately permanent moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Mayor McGinty urged the Town Board to pass the moratorium, to ensure these facilities do not pose a threat to our communities. Lithium-ion batteries, used in BESS, are prone to fire and thermal runaway, which can result in dangerous overheating and explosions.

We are deeply grateful to Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, and the entire Town Board for voting to enact this crucial moratorium. Their continued support of Island Park and our residents is greatly appreciated.

As always, we remain vigilant and committed to advocating for the safety and wellbeing of our community.

Read the Mayor’s full statement below:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the privilege to address you this evening. I respectfully urge you to vote in the affirmative for the protection of our community, and by extension, the Town of Hempstead community at large. The proposed Local Law to enact a Temporary Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage System Facilities is a necessary initial step in the protection of public health and public safety, and it is worthy of all your support. The next crucial step is a permanent moratorium. One only has to look at Moss Landing to see firsthand the incredible devastation these battery storage systems can cause.

There is a direct and imminent threat from the expansion of battery storage systems, known as BESS. This clear and present danger from this reckless proposed expansion, without oversight, programmatic audit, transparency, or substantive safety protocol measures, represents a threat to us all.

Our first responders, including volunteer firefighters as well as county and local police services, are not trained, equipped, or prepared for the potential conflagration and toxicity inherent in these proposed storage facilities. Local control is key to any future consideration. In fact, zoning laws are at the forefront of this control. Consultation with our first responders, volunteer firefighters, and county and local police is essential.

Thank you again to Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, and the entire Town Board for this opportunity to be heard and for your continued support of our community.”