IN-DEPTH: Neighbors Across US Unite Against ‘Environmentally Dirty’ Lithium-Ion Battery Boom

Are lithium-ion battery factories and battery energy storage system (BESS) plants the key to meeting President Joe Biden’s green energy goal of a 100 percent decarbonized electrical grid by 2035? While state and federal officials are enthusiastically endorsing these proposals, some prospective neighbors are concerned about the “environmentally dirty process” required to build lithium batteries and store energy. Critics say these processes emit toxic chemicals, degrade ambient air quality, cause fires, and present a high risk of explosion.

Despite these concerns, battery factory and BESS plant building proposals are being proposed and approved nationwide with increasing frequency. However, opponents are challenging zoning and other permits necessary for battery manufacturing plants in Colorado and Arizona, while grassroots opponents in Maryland are battling to stop a utility BESS project. Staten Island residents, with help from state lawmakers and congressional representatives, forced another BESS proposal to be withdrawn.

Colorado: Opponents Use Nextdoor App

Residents in Brighton, Colorado, are speaking out against Amprius Technologies’ plans to build a $190 million, 775,000-square-foot lithium-ion battery plant. The proposed factory, set to open by 2025, is across a road from a residential neighborhood and within a mile of multiple schools, the Platte Valley Medical Center, and the city’s water plant. Prospective neighbors say carcinogenic chemicals and flammable liquids used to make lithium-ion batteries make the factory hazardous to their health and to the environment.

Using the social media app, Nextdoor, neighbors have rallied opposition to the proposed factory, filing a petition signed by 300 residents urging the Brighton City Council to deny a precursor zoning change that Amprius Technologies needs to begin building batteries.

Despite opposition, the project is unlikely to be derailed. Adams County has provided the company with a slate of incentives, and the Brighton City Council has approved $929,000 in use and property-tax rebates. Amprius said it will “comply with all federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulatory requirements.”

Amprius Technologies CEO Dr. Kang Sun said the company coordinated extensively with the Colorado Economic Development Commission, Adams County, and the city “to meet the substantial market demand for our breakthrough silicon anode lithium-ion technology.”

The plant will have the build-out manufacturing capacity of 10 gigawatt hours of energy.

Amprius’ $190 million investment includes a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains made available under 2021’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“We need more batteries to power the future, and now we will be manufacturing more of them right here in Colorado,” said Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. “We are excited to welcome Amprius to Colorado, bringing over 300 new good-paying jobs, and joining Colorado’s innovative and collaborative business community.”

It is uncertain when the proposed zoning change will go before the city council. On April 15, Amprius signed a formal lease with the landowner contingent on a zoning change being secured by July 1, 2024.

Arizona: Neighbors Make a Pitch

Residents near a proposed 1 million-square-foot LG Energy Solution lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant near Queen Creek, Arizona, have filed a petition calling on local officials to deny the project, which would be the largest stand-alone battery factory in North America.

Despite receiving approval of a precursor development agreement between the company and the city of Queen Creek and Pinal County, local opponents aren’t backing down. Spearheaded by ‘Concerned Citizens in San Tan Valley,’ they are meeting and planning to attend the Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting.

While state and federal officials are endorsing these proposals, it’s important to consider the concerns of prospective neighbors. As we move towards a greener future, we must ensure that the processes and technologies we use to get there are safe for both people and the environment.