KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Oshtemo Township is considering a moratorium on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects after public backlash.

The backlash was sparked after NewEdge Renewable Power gave a presentation to the township planning commission in mid-August on battery storage systems.

The company is in the “preliminary stages” of development, a representative for NewEdge said. NewEdge entered into a land lease at West M Avenue and South Van Kral Street in December 2023, according to county records.

The moratorium would prevent the development of all “Commercial Energy Storage Facilities” until a zoning ordinance can be developed or amended to address development of the facilities.

Multiple community members expressed their continued opposition to BESS facilities at a Monday,

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