The CEC (California Energy Commission) has proposed construction of a 13-acre lithium battery storage facility at a high fire-risk zone in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The land is owned by Saddleback Church and would be leased to the CEC. This battery facility poses an imminent threat to the health and safety of our communities. For those of us with homes, businesses, schools, families, and animals in this area, the risks associated with the placement of such a facility are simply unacceptable.

📢 We are calling on our state governor, state leaders, and Saddleback Church to put an end to this dangerous CEC project! 📢

‼️Lithium batteries are known to be highly flammable, and their combustion releases toxic fumes, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals into the air, soil and water. These batteries burn so hot that they're almost impossible to put out once they catch fire. Even the CEC’s fire consultant stated that the best course of action during a battery fire would be to allow the equipment to fully burn out. In the event of a fire, the impact on residents, our children attending nearby schools, local wildlife, and the surrounding environment would be catastrophic. The danger of losing homes, schools, and natural habitats to uncontrolled blazes and the resulting evacuations are concerns that cannot and should not be ignored.

📛Additionally, the scientific community and fire safety experts have repeatedly highlighted the dangers associated with storing lithium batteries in areas already susceptible to fire outbreaks. The OCFA (Orange County Fire Authority) has expressed their concern and are against the proposed lithium battery storage facility in this area.

💰In California alone, wildfires have caused devastating damages in recent years, with an estimated $13 billion in damages in 2020. Specifically in this proposed area of San Juan Capistrano, evacuations would be proven to be difficult due to the limited site access and unstable terrain. In the past decade, 23 wildfires have occurred within a 5-mile radius of this site. Introducing a facility that inherently increases fire risk directly contradicts efforts to protect and preserve public safety and environmental integrity.

🔥Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association highlight that lithium battery-associated fires have been increasing over the past years, leading to damages and losses that are both economically and emotionally devastating. Fire departments in the region, already strained with regular wildfire responses, may be overwhelmed by any additional burden this facility introduces.

🚨On January 16, 2025, a major fire broke out at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing (Monterey County, CA) lithium-ion battery storage facility in Monterey, California. The fire triggered a state of emergency in Monterey County and consumed a significant portion of the facility, causing concerns about air and water quality, and sparking a wider discussion about safety regulations for energy storage systems. Approximately 1,500 residents were evacuated due to concerns about "toxic smoke" released by the fire. Residents have reported respiratory distress, rashes, and feeling ill. Due to concerns about potential contamination of air, soil, and water, environmental chemical testing is still underway today.

📍The evacuation radius of the Moss Landing lithium battery fire at the BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) was within 8-miles of the facility due to exposure to toxic smoke. If such a fire were to occur at the proposed BESS facility in South Orange County, this evacuation order could directly impact those in the regions of:

San Juan Capistrano
Laguna Niguel
Laguna Beach
Laguna Hills
Laguna Woods
Dana Point
Mission Viejo
Lake Forest
Aliso Viejo
Irvine
Foothill Ranch
Ladera Ranch
Rancho Mission Viejo
Coto de Caza
San Clemente

⚠️Safety regulations and environmental assessments must prioritize the well-being of current residents and the natural surroundings over new developments that endanger them.

🗣️On May 29, 2025, a CEC hearing was held to obtain public feedback on this project. Thank you to our elected officials: San Juan Capistrano City Council & city attorney, Laguna Niguel City Council, OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, Congressman Mike Levin, and Assemblywoman Diane Dixon for attending and speaking up against this disastrous and dangerous proposal. Let's stand alongside our city & district officials who have spoken up against this!

The CEC and Saddleback Church must reconsider this hazardous project and explore alternative, safer locations for such facilities. The health and safety of our families and future generations depend on us speaking up and taking action. Let’s protect our community and environment from unnecessary risks.

🌱Toxic-Free OC is committed to working to remove toxic chemicals from our environments to protect public health.

✍️Please join us in opposition by signing & sharing this petition today!! Public health and safety is a non-partisan issue! We must ban together and act now as the CEC is in the process of collecting public feedback. We will use this petition to urge decision-makers to stop the construction of the BESS! ✊🏼

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For more information on the Compass Energy BESS project:

https://www.energy.ca.gov/powerplant/energy-storage-system/compass-energy-storage-project

"Compass Energy Storage LLC proposes to construct, own, and operate an approximately 250-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in the City of San Juan Capistrano. The approximately 13-acre project site is located within the northern portion of the City of San Juan Capistrano, adjacent to Camino Capistrano and Interstate-5 to the east. The BESS would be capable of storing up to 250 MW of electricity for four hours (up-to 1,000 MW hours). The proposed Compass Energy Storage Project (project) would be composed of lithium-iron phosphate batteries, or similar technology batteries, inverters, medium-voltage transformers, a switchyard, a collector substation, and other associated equipment to interconnect into the existing San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Trabuco to Capistrano 138-kilovolt transmission line."

Public Statements of Opposition from Elected Officials:

Press Release from Rep. Mike Levin Opposing Compass Energy Storage Project in South Orange County (May 27, 2025)

OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley & Congressman Mike Levin Joint Statement in Opposition to CEC's Compass Energy Storage Project

San Juan Capistrano City Council Actions & News from other Battery Storage Fires

Additional Resources:

Fill out a comment form to express your opposition directly to the CEC!

About Us:

Toxic-Free OC (a 501c3 non-profit organization) - Our mission is to protect public health and wildlife by working to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in our environment. Read more about us here.

Troy Bourne

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