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Protecting Michigan Communities with Facts, Not Promises

🔍 What’s Being Proposed in Oshtemo Township (Kalamazoo, MI)

In August 2025, representatives from NewEdge Power presented information on a proposed utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Oshtemo Township — a project that could place hundreds of semi-trailer-sized lithium batteries located approximately 300-400 feet from nearby homes.

Battery storage technology is often presented as an important part of the modern energy grid.

At the same time, publicly reported incidents and national safety reviews show that some BESS facilities in the U.S. have experienced serious events, including fires, hazardous emissions, and extended cleanup efforts.

As reports of BESS-related incidents have increased nationwide, some local governments — including jurisdictions in states such as California and New York — have adopted temporary moratoriums or tighter restrictions on projects near residential areas while safety standards are evaluated.

Oshtemo residents deserve clear information, careful review, and meaningful community input when decisions of this scale are being considered.

⚠️ Why It Doesn't Belong Near Homes

BESS projects are expanding quickly — but safety standards are still catching up. Research continues to raise concerns about thermal runaway, fire containment, and the unique challenges these facilities can pose near residential areas.

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) permits certain BESS installations to be located as close as 300 feet from residential structures under current siting frameworks. By contrast, some U.S. Department of Transportation emergency response guidance for transportation-related lithium-ion battery incidents recommends precautionary evacuation distances that can extend up to one-half mile, depending on the circumstances. These differing standards have prompted questions about appropriate siting near homes.

  • Publicly available industry and safety databases document more than 150 battery energy storage system incidents worldwide over the past decade. While such events are not constant, fire-related incidents have occurred and can present complex suppression challenges.

  • Research supported by federal agencies, including FEMA-funded studies, has examined lithium battery behavior and the risks associated with thermal runaway events, including high heat release and the potential for hazardous gas emissions.

  • At the same time, federal incentive programs — including investment tax credits and federal loan guarantee opportunities — have accelerated energy storage development nationwide. Some community members have expressed concern that rapid project timelines may limit opportunities for extended local review and public input.

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As noted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation:

“Lithium-ion battery fires pose unique challenges due to their intense heat, potential for explosions, and release of toxic gases.”
— Amanda Kimball, Executive Director, Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF)

🧭 Our Goal

We support renewable energy — but we oppose siting decisions or oversight gaps that could place neighborhoods, schools, or farmland at unnecessary risk.

Our mission is simple:

  • Inform residents with clear, factual, and publicly sourced information.
  • Urge municipalities to take a measured approach, consult independent experts, and draft ordinances that fully exercise their zoning and police powers to prioritize resident and environmental safety.
  • Call on the MPSC and state legislators to strengthen statewide safety standards before approving additional large-scale projects near residential areas.

💬 Get Involved

This issue affects all of us. If you live near a proposed BESS project, you may want to review Michigan real estate disclosure requirements and consider how nearby industrial development could factor into future property transactions.

  • Contact the MPSC and urge careful review and stronger statewide safety standards for BESS projects.
  • Urge Oshtemo Township to take their time and implement zoning and police power to protect residents. 
  • Share our site to help neighbors understand what’s coming.

📍 Learn More

Michigan Focus

Understand what’s happening across the state — including in Oshtemo, Comstock, Bangor, and over a hundred other sites — and how Michigan law (PA 233 of 2023) shifted certain aspects of large energy projects from local governments to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) if a developer so chooses to site their project with them. 👉 Explore Michigan Articles →

National Incidents

Learn from documented incidents in other states — including battery storage fires in California, Arizona, and New York — that have led to evacuations, property damage, and costly cleanup efforts. 👉 Explore U.S. Articles →

🧾 Quick Facts

Knowledge is power — and our community deserves both.