KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- A new moratorium is in place to block the construction of battery storage facilities in Oshtemo Township.

The decision won’t bring an end to local backlash, though.

Residents are pushing for township officials to develop a committee with energy experts, township officials and residents to develop any future regulations on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects.

Township trustees voted unanimously with two trustees absent to pass the one-year moratorium at a Tuesday, Nov. 25 board meeting. The moratorium will prevent the development of all “commercial energy storage facilities” until a zoning ordinance can be developed or amended to address development of the facilities.

Local backlash was sparked after NewEdge Renewable Power gave a presentation to the

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