Residents Sue Vistra, PG&E Over Massive Moss Landing Battery Fire

Moss Landing, CA – A group of residents has filed a civil lawsuit against Vistra Corp., Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and other companies over a massive fire at the Moss Landing battery storage facility that released toxic smoke and led to evacuations. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges negligence, strict liability, and other claims, citing health risks and property damage caused by the January 16 blaze.

The complaint names multiple defendants, including Vistra-owned entities that operate the Moss Landing Power Plant, LG Energy Solution, which manufactured the facility’s lithium-ion batteries, and PG&E, which is responsible for connecting the facility to the electrical grid. Plaintiffs argue that the companies failed to implement adequate safety measures despite previous fires at the site.

Toxic Smoke and Mass Evacuations

The fire broke out in the facility’s Phase I battery storage building, a 300-megawatt system housing lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries. According to the lawsuit, these batteries are more prone to overheating and thermal runaway than newer alternatives, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of 1,200 to 1,500 residents in Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough due to toxic smoke. Schools were closed, and Highway 1 was shut down for several days.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The lawsuit claims that toxic metals—including nickel, manganese, and cobalt—were released during the fire and later found in nearby soil at levels 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal. Independent testing allegedly confirmed the presence of these metals on plaintiffs’ properties, including homes and boats. Plaintiffs report respiratory distress, eye and throat irritation, and other health symptoms.

Monterey County officials and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control have been conducting soil and air quality assessments to determine long-term impacts.

History of Safety Concerns

The Moss Landing facility, one of the world’s largest battery energy storage sites, has experienced multiple safety incidents. In 2021 and 2022, previous fires prompted shutdowns but did not result in evacuations. The lawsuit argues that despite these warnings, Vistra and its partners failed to improve fire suppression systems and battery safety.

Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for health effects, property damage, evacuation expenses, and economic losses, including business disruptions.

Neither Vistra, PG&E, nor LG Energy Solution have publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Next Steps

Legal experts say the case could have broad implications for battery storage facilities, especially as California expands renewable energy projects that rely on large-scale lithium-ion storage. The lawsuit adds to growing scrutiny over fire risks and environmental hazards associated with these systems.

State agencies continue to monitor air and soil quality in Moss Landing as the community awaits further remediation efforts.