FORESTBURGH – The Town of Forestburgh is taking proactive steps to address emerging energy technology by introducing a local law that would regulate the siting and operation of battery energy storage systems within the town.

During the October 2nd meeting, the town board approved an introductory resolution to establish rules for the zoning of battery storage facilities, which are large installations that store electricity for later distribution to the power grid. The move follows an inquiry from earlier this year from a company interested in locating such a facility in Forestburgh. 

Supervisor Dan Hogue Jr. explained that the town currently has no zoning provisions covering this type of infrastructure. 

“Technology is moving at lightning speed” Hogue said. “We recently had a firm reach out to us asking if we had any regulations in place, we do not but most towns do have it,” adding that this led to them contacting the town’s zoning consultant to get ahead of it. 

The proposed local law would amend the town code to add a new article establishing guidelines for the construction and operation of battery energy storage systems. It’s designed to ensure that such firms are compliant with safety, environmental protection and compatibility within the town.

Before any adoption, the drafted law will be reviewed by the Sullivan County Planning Department, as required under state law. The town board also scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, November 6 at 6 p.m. where residents will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions about the proposal.

If adopted, the measure will place Forestburgh among several Sullivan County municipalities in creating zoning and safety standards for renewable energy and battery storage projects.