California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 283, authored by state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), into regulation final week. The invoice, sponsored by the California Skilled Firefighters and the California State Affiliation of Electrical Employees, strengthens security requirements across the improvement of power storage amenities and bolsters coordination with fireplace officers.
Archival photograph of Moss Touchdown, and the inverters exterior the constructing housing the lithium-ion battery banks.
“California should prioritize security at each step when increasing battery storage to satisfy its clear power targets,” stated Sen. Laird. “SB 283 ensures that future battery storage amenities are developed with security and the group in thoughts, and that our fireplace officers are concerned in each step alongside the way in which. I thank Governor Newsom for signing this invoice to guard first responders, native communities, and the integrity of our renewable power transition.”
Senate Invoice 283 was launched following the Moss Landing battery storage fire that left lingering results on the group. For the reason that January fireplace, state environmental and power companies and native authorities has pushed for investigations into the incident, encourage acceptable monitoring of environmental and public well being impacts, and safe funding for scientific research into the impacts of the fireplace.
Below SB 283, battery storage builders can be required to have interaction with native fireplace authorities previous to submitting an utility. This session should deal with facility design, assess potential dangers and combine emergency response plans. A facility can be required to bear a security inspection by native fireplace officers earlier than the ability can log on. SB 283 ensures that the ability proprietor covers the price of inspections, reinforcing accountability within the allowing course of. SB 283 additionally directs the state to evaluate the configuration of amenities, together with limitations on improvement inside flamable buildings to keep away from one other incident like Moss Landing.
Senate Invoice 283 will go into impact January 1, 2026.
Information merchandise from Sen. Laird
