SACRAMENTO (May 30, 2025) – Yesterday, Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) presented her concerns at the California Energy Commission’s Informational and Environmental Scoping Meeting for the Proposed Compass Energy Storage Project.
“As soon as I landed in Orange County from Sacramento, I quickly drove to attend the CEC’s meeting on the Compass Energy Storage Project,” said Assemblymember Dixon, “I saw many constituents in attendance who shared my concerns with the potential project.”
If approved, the proposed project, to be constructed and operated by Compass Energy Storage LLC, would be a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system located in San Juan Capistrano.
“While intentions are good, and I support innovative ways to ensure Orange County residents have access to reliable energy, I have potential safety concerns with having a battery storage facility at this location,” said Assemblymember Dixon.
The project would be located within the northern portion of the City and adjacent to Camino Capistrano, with Interstate-5 to the east. Residents are concerned about impacts to evacuation should a fire break out.
“A number of recent fires throughout California related to these types of facilities has indicated insufficient protocols are in place, especially in the case where these facilities are located in populated areas,” said
Assemblymember Dixon, “We should consider placing this project a safer distance from transportation sources and residential communities.”
You can read the Assemblymember’s letter to the CEC here and find more information about the project on their website here.
Assemblymember Dixon Speaking at the Meeting on 5.29.25
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Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, is a pragmatic businesswoman and former Mayor, who represents the 72nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.