Activists push for stricter clean energy and permit rules in Holyoke

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Proposed energy facilities in our region continue to draw controversy.

Activists are calling for changes on where they are built after a rally in Holyoke Monday night, gathering public feedback on siting and permitting changes for these energy facilities.

Rain didn't stop environmental advocates from gathering Monday evening. Armed with posters and passionate voices, all to be heard by state officials ahead of a hearing in Holyoke on clean energy siting.

The group 'No Assault and Batteries' led the rally, calling on state officials to keep solar and battery storage projects off undeveloped lands and away from vulnerable neighborhoods. "We have a unique opportunity in New England to save our trees and our water and our farmlands," says activist Chris Queen.

A proposed lithium battery energy storage facility was in the works for the city of Westfield. But recently, developers pulled back on the project after much outcry over a battery facility explosion in California earlier this year. "That burned for five days and scattered ash all over five counties," Queen adds. "That is what can happen to these battery projects. Water cannot put those fires out."

Monday night's public hearing is part of the state's 2024 climate act, which requires updates to how the commonwealth permits clean energy infrastructure. The hearing involves several agencies, including the energy facilities siting board, and it's a chance for the public to have their concerns known before the guidelines are set in stone.

Nate Maynard, a concerned resident, told 22News, "What kind of control do we still have? If a large corporation comes in to clear-cut and put in solar---do we still have the ability to determine whether that site makes sense or not?"

The feedback gathered at the hearings is meant to shape the final regulations for 2026 and as the state continues to push towards its climate goals. These activists say they'll make sure it stays in line with the needs of western Massachusetts.

The comment deadline after Monday night's meeting is May 19th.