Rep. Mike Levin Opposes Location of Compass Energy Storage Project in South Orange County
San Juan Capistrano, CA – Today, Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) wrote to the California Energy Commission (CEC) in opposition to the location of the Compass Energy Storage Project, the 13-acre battery energy storage system proposed in the City of San Juan Capistrano and adjacent to the City of Laguna Niguel.
Rep. Levin expressed concern that a potential disaster at the proposed location could have serious impacts on nearby residents, Trabuco Creek, and Interstate 5. Such a disaster could require mobilization of federal first responder assets on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton or those managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below:
Dear Chair Hochschild,
I write to express my opposition to the location of the Compass Energy Storage Project, the 13-acre battery energy storage system proposed in the City of San Juan Capistrano and adjacent to the City of Laguna Niguel. I understand that the project is under review by the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is the lead agency preparing associated environmental documents.
I strongly support the development of clean energy infrastructure to facilitate our nation’s transition away from fossil fuels and their associated impacts, chiefly climate change. Further, I recognize the important role battery storage plays in helping to smooth the so-called “duck curve,” ensuring we have emission-free electricity available at the times of greatest demand.
However, I have also been a longtime proponent of smart planning and siting of these projects. For the last four Congresses, I have sponsored the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, which would require “smart from the start” planning of clean energy projects on public land. This process would ensure that the projects are sited in a way that reduces any negative impacts, including to the environment.
I do not believe that the application to build the Compass Energy Storage Project on its currently proposed site meets these same “smart from the start” principles I have long advocated for at the federal level. The project would be situated near sensitive areas – relatively close to homes and adjacent to Trabuco Creek – and alongside critical infrastructure – primarily, Interstate 5. Should there be any kind of disaster at the project, nearby residents may be severely impacted, as could the water quality of the creek. Any extended shutdown of I-5 would hurt the commerce of our region.
In the event of a fire, there would likely be a federal role in the response, whether from assets on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton or those managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is my mission to ensure that these federal disaster response authorities always have the resources they need to be effective.
I urge the CEC to reject the currently proposed location of the Compass Energy Storage Project. Should you have any questions about my position, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Mike Levin
Member of Congress
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