Lithium-Ion Battery Plants: Environmental Impacts, Economics and Policy Alternatives
Date: This Saturday, February 14, 11:30am–1:00pm
Location: Irvine Auditorium
Event Overview
The Epoch Times Insider Series will host a live public forum at the Irvine Auditorium examining the health, environmental, and economic consequences of large-scale lithium-ion battery plants—now rapidly expanding across California in the name of “clean energy.”
Recent battery plant fires, including the Moss Landing incident, have raised urgent questions about public safety, toxic exposure, grid reliability, and long-term costs to communities, ratepayers, and taxpayers. This forum brings scientific analysis and policy expertise together to help the public understand what is at stake.
What Will Be Discussed
Health and safety risks associated with battery plant fires, including toxic smoke and chemical exposure
Long-term environmental impacts, including heavy metal contamination of soil and potential effects on agriculture
Community risk zones, with analysis of how far chemical impacts may extend from battery facilities
Economic consequences for ratepayers and taxpayers, including inefficiencies in current energy policies
Policy alternatives and electric grid considerations as California transitions its energy infrastructure
The discussion will translate complex science into clear, real-world implications for residents, policymakers, and energy consumers.
Speakers
Dr. Michael Hogan, PhD
Physicist • Environmental Scientist • Former Advisor to the National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Government
Dr. Hogan is a physicist with BS from Princeton and PhD from Stanford, and has conducted environmental research in 68 countries. He founded Earth Metrics Inc., leading over 3,600 studies for U.S. agencies, advised the National Academy of Sciences, and authored more than 1,200 scientific publications on energy and environmental policy.
Ronald Stein, P.E.
Energy Consultant • National Policy Analyst • Author on Energy Economics and Infrastructure
Ronald Stein, PE is an energy consultant, nationally published columnist, and policy advisor specializing in energy economics and infrastructure. He is co-author of Clean Energy Exploitations, a 2022 Pulitzer Prize nominee, and has written more than 250 op-eds educating the public on energy policy, costs, and global energy systems.
About the Event
This event is a joint production of The Epoch Times and the California Arts and Sciences Institute (CASI). The program includes expert discussion followed by audience Q&A.