SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 283 authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which strengthens safety standards for the development of new battery storage facilities and bolsters coordination with fire officials. The bill was sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters and the California State Association of Electrical Workers.
 
“California must prioritize safety at every step when expanding battery storage to meet its clean energy goals,” said Senator Laird. “SB 283 ensures that future battery storage facilities are developed with safety and the community in mind, and that our fire officials are involved in every step along the way. I thank Governor Newsom for signing this bill to protect first responders, local communities, and the integrity of our renewable energy transition.”
 
Senate Bill 283 was introduced following the Moss Landing battery storage fire that was a tragedy for the community and region. Since the fire, Senator Laird has worked alongside state environmental and energy agencies and local government to push for investigations into the incident, encourage appropriate monitoring of environmental and public health impacts, and secure funding for scientific studies into the impacts of the fire.

Under SB 283, battery storage developers will be required to engage with local fire authorities prior to submitting an application. This consultation must address facility design, assess potential risks, and integrate emergency response plans, such as those required under SB 38 (Laird, 2023). A facility will be required to undergo a safety inspection by local fire officials before the facility can go online. SB 283 ensures that the facility owner covers the cost of inspections, reinforcing accountability in the permitting process. SB 283 also directs the state to review the configuration of facilities, including limitations on development within combustible buildings to avoid another incident like Moss Landing.

When introduced, SB 283 would have also required battery storage facilities to adhere to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standards which are widely recognized as the most robust standards for battery storage development. The Office of the State Fire Marshal adopted the most recent NFPA 855 standards in March, to take effect January 1, 2026, and this requirement was subsequently removed from SB 283 to ensure there would be no duplication.

 
Backed by first responders, workers, energy developers, environmental advocates, and local governments including all three counties within the 17^th Senate District, SB 283 reinforces the critical need for stronger safety protocols as battery storage technology expands. Their support highlights the bill’s role in protecting both frontline workers and communities while ensuring a secure and reliable clean energy future.

“Senate Bill 283 is a critical step forward in protecting both our firefighters and the communities they serve,” said Brian K. Rice, President of California Professional Firefighters. “By strengthening safety standards for battery storage facilities and ensuring local fire authorities have a seat at the table through the meet-and-confer process, this law puts responsibility where it belongs — on the owners and operators of these facilities — and helps prevent disasters before they start.”
 
SB 283 provides a crucial tool and safeguard to ensure battery storage facilities are built and maintained with the highest level of safety and oversight by our local fire officials. Senate Bill 283 will go into effect January 1, 2026.

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Senator John Laird represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties, and a majority of San Luis Obispo County. More information on Senator Laird can be found here.