GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman accuses New York Governor Kathy Hochul of endangering residents by fast-tracking toxic battery storage plants without proper safety measures.
Story Snapshot
- Blakeman slams Hochul’s push for battery plants as reckless, prioritizing green agendas over public safety.
- Battery fires release toxic chemicals, posing severe health hazards to communities.
- First responders lack training and equipment to handle these dangers effectively.
- Blakeman demands full preparedness before approving new facilities, echoing conservative calls for common-sense protections.
Blakeman’s Direct Warning to Hochul
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for New York governor, publicly criticized Governor Kathy Hochul over plans to expand battery energy storage systems. He labeled the facilities “toxic” and accused her administration of putting New Yorkers in danger. Blakeman stressed that state policies rush these projects despite known fire risks. Conservative leaders view this as government overreach favoring globalist green mandates over local safety.
Toxic Risks from Battery Fires Exposed
Battery storage plants, central to New York’s aggressive renewable energy push, present unique hazards. Fires in lithium-ion batteries burn intensely and release toxic chemicals into the air and water. These incidents threaten nearby residents with health issues from hazardous fumes. Blakeman highlighted how such facilities endanger families in suburban and rural areas. This aligns with conservative frustrations over policies that impose unproven technologies without adequate safeguards.
https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/us-news/gop-gov-hopeful-bruce-blakeman-slams-hochul-over-toxic-battery-storage-plants-putting-new-yorkers-in-danger/
First Responders Unprepared for the Threat
Blakeman demanded that New York halt new battery plant approvals until first responders receive comprehensive training and equipment. “Before we allow any new facilities, we must ensure our first responders are fully trained, equipped, and prepared to handle not only the fire risks but also the toxic chemicals and health hazards these battery fires can release into our communities,” Blakeman stated. Fire departments currently lack specialized gear for these prolonged, toxic blazes.
Local fire chiefs report inadequate resources to combat battery fires, which can reignite after suppression. This gap leaves communities vulnerable, amplifying Blakeman’s call for accountability. Under President Trump’s leadership, states like New York face pressure to prioritize American safety over hasty climate initiatives that mirror past Biden-era overregulation.
Conservative Pushback Against Green Mandates
Blakeman’s stance resonates with conservatives nationwide who oppose mandates forcing battery storage as part of net-zero goals. New York aims to install thousands of megawatts by 2030, often near residential zones. Critics argue this erodes property values and family safety without proven benefits. Trump’s deregulatory successes provide a model: his administration cut burdensome rules, saving billions while boosting energy independence.
Supporters praise Blakeman for championing limited government and individual protections. His campaign positions him as a Trump ally fighting leftist policies that prioritize ideology over pragmatism. Voters frustrated by inflation and overspending see battery plant controversies as symptoms of fiscal mismanagement. With Trump securing economic wins like record job growth and tax cuts, states must follow by rejecting dangerous experiments.
