PETITION TO PROTECT THE TOWN OF ISLIP FROM BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS)

We appreciate the Town Board’s recent action to prohibit large-scale Tier 3 BESS facilities. This was an important step in protecting our community. However, significant concerns remain regarding Tier 2 BESS regulations and the potential for larger-scale projects to be created through multiple smaller facilities.

We urge the Town Board to strengthen the Tier 2 regulations with clear, enforceable language that prevents multiple Tier 2 facilities from being combined, coordinated, subdivided, separately owned, or otherwise configured to function as a larger BESS project or circumvent applicable size, capacity, location, and safety restrictions.

As a concerned resident of the Town of Islip, the safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance. While technology and alternative energy solutions may offer benefits, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) also present significant risks that cannot be overlooked.

BESS, particularly lithium-ion systems, carry risks of fires, explosions, thermal runaway, and hazardous chemical leaks. These incidents have been documented in communities worldwide and can have devastating consequences, especially in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas such as the Town of Islip.

The proximity of BESS to homes, schools, businesses, industrial parks, and essential public services creates additional concerns. Accidents can threaten property and lives, including our children, local businesses, employees, volunteers, and first responders.

The Town of Islip must also ensure its Tier 2 BESS regulations cannot be circumvented to create a larger-scale facility through multiple smaller facilities. The resolution should prohibit multiple Tier 2 BESS facilities on the same parcel or on adjacent or contiguous parcels when they are part of, or function as, one larger project. This protection should apply regardless of separate applications, parcel subdivisions, ownership or control, affiliated entities, phased construction, or any other configuration intended to avoid applicable size, capacity, location, or safety restrictions. The Town should consider the combined capacity and operational relationship of such facilities when determining compliance.

The Town of Islip should take proactive measures to protect residents by enacting zoning laws that prohibit BESS within the township and by advocating for alternative locations that minimize risks to our homes, schools, businesses, and community.

We urge the Town Board to recognize residents’ legitimate concerns and swiftly revise its zoning regulations to exclude BESS and close Tier 2 loopholes that could allow larger facilities to be created through multiple smaller systems.

Please sign this petition to demand that the Town of Islip amend its zoning laws to prevent BESS in our neighborhoods and ensure Tier 2 restrictions cannot be circumvented through multiple facilities on the same or adjacent/contiguous parcels. Together, we can protect our community, public safety, and quality of life for generations to come.

Petition Modified 9/15/2026 to reflect the Town of Islip banning Tier 3 BESS and urge the Town of Islip to swiftly take appropriate measures to ensure Tier 2 BESS cannot be modified or altered to create larger scale BESS facilities permanently.