Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) threaten our NY community with fires, toxic plumes, and other hazards.
We are concerned residents informing and mobilizing Hurley and Ulster County taxpayers against the proposed BESS facility.
This dangerous plant should not be placed near residential neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses, or agricultural areas. We’re working together to keep our community safe.
BESS facilities are dangerous, reduce quality of life, and provide NO benefits to residents.
Safety Risks & Dangers
Lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating, swelling, electrolyte leakage venting, smoke, and explosions and fires involving thermal runaway.
BESS fires aren’t easily extinguished. Best practice is to let them burn out, which can take days. Evacuations and shelter in place orders can be issued for up to a two-mile radius around the facility.
Toxic chemicals and harmful gasses release during a thermal event. Strong winds can carry residual, toxic ash far and wide and cause soil and water contamination.
Quality of Life Issues
Residential neighborhoods and rural communities become industrial zones.
Facilities cause noise, light, and water pollution.
No Benefit to the Community
Hurley and Ulster County assume all risks with no financial rewards; only investors benefit.
Property values can drop ~10-30% and home insurance costs can rise depending on how close you live in relation to a BESS facility.
This is a community movement. Whether you can donate time to help achieve our advocacy goals or energy to put political pressure on our leadership to change course, we need you on our team.