S2470

The New York State Senate passed legislation providing tax abatements for residents and businesses installing solar panels and electric energy storage equipment, with a 47-14 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Parker and designated as Calendar Number 653 (S2470), faced opposition from Sen. Mattera and 13 other senators who raised safety concerns about lithium-ion battery storage systems. Mattera argued that such batteries pose a significant fire hazard, with a 5% failure rate and the ability to burn at temperatures exceeding 5,000 degrees. He contended that conventional firefighting methods—water, foam, and powder—are ineffective against lithium-ion fires and cited prior Senate action banning lithium-ion batteries in scooters. Mattera also referenced incidents in East Hampton and upstate communities where battery storage units caught fire, and noted support from local fire departments and marshals in his district for existing moratoriums on battery storage installations. Despite these objections, the measure advanced with strong support from the Democratic majority.