Rally Against Lithium Fires Recap & Video

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Last weekend, a rally led by the Santa Cruz Green Party called for transparency in lithium battery facilities. Recent fires, like the one in Moss Landing, highlight the lack of testing, community input, and health monitoring.

Speakers included Brian Roeder, founder of Never Again Moss Landing, who revealed that over 5 tons of heavy metals were released into the air, affecting tens of thousands in the Bay Area and Central Coast. He warned of hexafluorine's dangers, which can turn into harmful acids, raising concerns about health impacts. The community remains in the dark about whether metals or acids are the culprits behind health issues.

Despite the counties’ dismissive stance, a Facebook group, Moss Landing Battery Plant Environmental Disaster Community Group, offers support. LeVonne Stone of the Fort Ord Environmental Justice Network criticized the lack of community voice, stating, "It's all about the people...to disrespect the people...is a crime."

Gabe Medina, an elected Green Party school board trustee, expressed frustration: "our people are tired of being lied to, tired of being poisoned and tired of being told: 'wait our turn' and tired of watching our children suffer while politicians make excuses and corporations count profits."

Sean Dougherty, a candidate for CD-19, pointed out that Vistra and Tesla operate lithium-ion storage facilities, including one that caught fire in Moss Landing. He criticized Senator John Laird for broken promises and noted that Laird's campaign got funding from Vistra and Tesla, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Dougherty also questioned the credibility of Laird's bill SB283, which relies on an industry-affiliated NGO for certifications.

Dr. Butch Ware drew a powerful parallel between George Floyd's last words, "I can't breathe," and the toxic political climate, stating, "There is toxicity in our air because there is toxicity in our politics."

Watch the video to learn more about the impacts of the Moss Landing Lithium Fires.