Dear Friends,

A proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility in Van Zandt County has the potential to harm public safety, the environment, and the future well-being of our county.

Last month, I urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delay the Amador Energy Storage Project until critical safety, environmental, and community concerns are addressed. Here’s why this project poses serious risks:

Lithium-ion battery fires, such as the multi-day fire at a battery storage site in Escondido, California, and the explosion in Surprise, Arizona, which severely injured four firefighters, are extremely difficult to extinguish and can burn for days, emitting toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride. Like many rural communities, Van Zandt County lacks the specialized firefighting equipment and water resources necessary to handle such emergencies, putting first responders and residents at great risk.

Notably, the proposed facility is located near farmland, homes, and critical infrastructure, including a pipeline. Any toxic leaks or spills could irreversibly damage our soil, water, and air, threatening agriculture and property values.

Despite repeated requests, developers have failed to share critical safety plans, including necessary details on fire suppression systems, explosion prevention measures, and decommissioning protocols.

I am working with federal, state, and local officials to stop this project. Our community must not be treated as a testing ground for rushed industrial projects that fail to consider local safety and environmental needs.

Please see the full letter below, and know that our fight is not over.

Sincerely,

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