Why I’m Fighting to Keep Hazardous Battery Facilities Away from Homes

Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers posed by poorly regulated battery storage facilities right here in San Diego County. Fires at sites in Escondido, East Otay Mesa, and Valley Center have forced evacuations, released toxic smoke into our neighborhoods, and exposed residents to serious health risks.

On Monday, I stood alongside Assemblymember Carl DeMaio to unveil the “Safe and Secure Battery Storage Act” (AB 434) — a common-sense bill that puts public safety first.

AB 434 would:

• Pause new battery energy storage construction mandates for two years

• Implement new fire safety and environmental standards

• Restore local control over permitting

• Ban hazardous battery storage near homes, schools, and parks

This legislation is vital because California is currently fast-tracking the construction of massive lithium-ion battery facilities in residential neighborhoods — without proper safety oversight and with no way for local communities to object. These sites are known fire hazards. When they ignite, they burn for days, emit toxic smoke, and endanger everyone nearby.

We must stop placing industrial battery facilities next to homes, schools, and parks.

I’ve been fighting for stronger oversight at the County level, and now with AB 434, we’re pushing the state to step up. This is about protecting families, preserving local control, and ensuring that public safety is never an afterthought.

Let’s bring some common sense back to California’s energy policy.

by San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond | April 16, 2025

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