Mayor Mantello Announces Legislation for 6-Month Moratorium on BESS Facilities in Troy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2026

Mayor Mantello Announces Legislation for Six-Month Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facilities in Troy

Does Not Rule Out Outright Ban

(TROY, NY) - Today Mayor Carmella R. Mantello announced the introduction of legislation to establish a six-month moratorium on the approval and development of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities within the City of Troy, making her the first elected official of a major city in the Capital Region to pursue a formal pause on BESS development to thoroughly review safety and regulatory considerations.

"This moratorium is about putting the environment over profit," Mayor Mantello added. "It's about doing it the right way - making sure any future energy infrastructure aligns with Troy's values and our high standards for community safety and planning. With that being said, examples from across New York State such as the Town of Warwick in Orange County where they had a day's long fire, make me extremely worried and skeptical about the sustainability and safety of these facilities. That is why I am not ruling out a total ban in the future."

The proposed moratorium is intended to provide the city with time to evaluate evolving safety standards, zoning impacts, environmental considerations, and best practices related to BESS facilities, while ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of Troy's residents and first responders.

"As mayor, the safety and well-being of Troy residents always come first," said Mayor Mantello. "Battery Energy Storage Systems are an important part of our energy future, but they also come with a lot of unknowns and legitimate concerns. We are taking a thoughtful, proactive step - to ensure we have the right tools and protections in place before moving forward."

While BESS facilities are increasingly deployed statewide, communities from Long Island to Central New York have enacted temporary moratoriums to address public concerns and emerging regulatory guidance. The City of Troy will use its six-month pause to work closely with fire officials, planning and zoning staff, environmental experts, and legal counsel to assess current codes, consider updates to local ordinances, and monitor the latest guidance from state and federal authorities.

The proposed legislation will be introduced to the Troy City Council for consideration at the January 22^nd meeting. Mayor Mantello emphasized her commitment to transparency and public engagement throughout the review process and encouraged residents to stay informed and participate in discussions as the city evaluates next steps.

Further details will be shared as the legislation advances through the City Council.

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