May 28, 2025
Mr. Drew Bohan
Director
California Energy Commission
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Informational and Environmental Scoping Meeting for the Proposed Compass Energy Storage Project
Dear Mr. Bohan:
I am writing to express my concern about the safety of battery storage facilities in California. A number of recent fires have indicated there is insufficient protocols in place, especially in the case where these facilities are located in populated areas.
AB 205 (Budget, 2022) provided the California Energy Commission (CEC) authority to approve renewable energy projects, including battery energy storage systems (BESS). While it is imperative that we continue to have innovative options for renewable energy, many people living near the potential Compass Energy Storage Project have cited safety concerns with the location. Specifically, residents fear impacts to evacuation if a fire were to break out.
As you know, the Moss Landing fire is one of several recent damaging fires that have occurred related to battery energy storage systems. In 2024 alone, two fires occurred on freeways, causing the closure of main Southern California thoroughfares. A spate of fires at battery storage facilities in San Diego have required significant man power, including dedicated responders as a fire burned for two weeks straight. Another battery storage facility fire resulted in the premature retirement of a firefighter after he suffered significant injuries while attempting to contain the blaze.
With many of the requisite components in the CEC application, I want to ensure that all BESS projects under CEC review include robust fire prevention measures and demonstrate that the spread of toxins will not require massive evacuations and area closures. The proposed Compass BESS project in San Juan Capistrano is of utmost concern and could impact thousands of Orange County residents.
