The Town Board of Plattekill has enacted an introductory local law establishing a temporary moratorium on the review of applications for battery energy storage systems (BESS). The measure, designed to protect public health and safety, was approved during the board’s recent meeting.

A public hearing on the proposed moratorium will be held on November 20 at the Town Hall, with public notice to be published in advance.

The proposed moratorium, would remain in effect while the town updates its comprehensive plan, aims to address safety and environmental concerns raised by recent fire incidents at BESS facilities across the state. The board cited the need for further review and the incorporation of new state regulations before moving forward with any BESS projects.

The moratorium follows a conceptual proposal by Mission Clear Energy for a 300-megawatt battery storage facility, which would subdivide 40 acres from a larger 95-acre parcel on Camp Sunset Road and Rabbit Run Road. No formal application has been submitted for the project, though the proposal has raised questions and concerns among town officials.

“Lithium battery storage is, in my view, extremely dangerous,” said Supervisor Dean DePew Sr. in August. “We formed a committee, and we’ve talked about a moratorium even before the formal presentation at the planning board.”

The board intends to update the town’s land-use regulations in line with the evolving state guidelines once they are finalized.