Board adopts 2025 legislative platform, adds language on battery‑storage capacity and safety

Thalía Smith, director of legislative affairs, presented the county’s 2025 legislative platform and annual report, reviewing state and federal budget developments and priority areas including housing, behavioral health, broadband and climate mitigation. Smith highlighted fiscal uncertainties in the governor’s proposed budget and flagged potential federal pauses in funding that could affect county programs.

During deliberations supervisors discussed adding language addressing the size and safety of energy‑storage (battery) projects in light of recent wildfire‑related funding and grid issues. The board agreed to add a modification to the platform to "add capacity of the grid, size and safety of battery‑storage systems" and to continue regional collaboration with neighboring counties and advocacy networks.

Supervisor Lucan moved adoption of the platform with the battery‑storage amendment; the motion was seconded and carried. Staff said the adopted platform will authorize county advocacy letters and grant applications aligned to the policy priorities and that the county will continue monitoring state and federal developments affecting local programs.