With Wave of Toxic Battery Fires and Forced Evacuations Hitting California, DeMaio and Desmond Unveil the “Safe and Secure Battery Storage Act” (AB 434)
DeMaio’s legislation places a temporary pause on battery storage site construction until stronger safety rules are enacted – giving local communities the power to say NO to dangerous sites.
WHO:
CA State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (District 75)
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
Residents near battery storage sites in San Diego County
WHAT:
San Diego County leaders and residents concerned about fire hazards from large-scale battery energy storage facilities will join Assemblyman Carl DeMaio as he unveils AB 434 – the “Safe and Secure Battery Storage Act.”
Supervisor Jim Desmond, who has led the charge at the county level to increase oversight and transparency on battery storage projects, will speak to the urgent need for state action to protect communities from these high-risk sites.
DeMaio will release the bill text and outline his 3 key reforms contained in AB 434: a two-year moratorium on new battery storage construction, the creation of new minimum fire safety standards by the State Fire Marshal, and the restoration of local control over the permitting of battery facilities.
WHEN:
Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
WHERE:
San Diego County Registrar of Voters Office
5600 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
WHY:
California is rushing to build massive lithium-ion battery storage facilities in residential neighborhoods — with virtually no safety regulations in place and no way for local communities to stop them. These facilities are known fire hazards that, when ignited, burn for days, release toxic smoke, and require mass evacuations. Yet despite these disasters, state bureaucrats continue rubber-stamping permits for new battery sites under a fast-track process that overrides local governments and ignores community safety.
“This is pure insanity — these dangerous battery sites are being shoved into our communities by out-of-touch Sacramento bureaucrats with zero safety standards and no input from the public. AB 434 puts a stop to this corrupt process, restores local control, and puts the safety of our families first. I won’t let politicians gamble with our lives just to score green energy talking points.” — Assemblyman Carl DeMaio
“These battery storage facilities don’t belong near homes, schools, or parks. I’ve been fighting for more oversight at the county level, but we need the state to step up too. AB 434 is the leadership and accountability we need to protect our communities.” — County Supervisor Jim Desmond