Town of Dunkirk officials are doing something Chautauqua County legislators cannot ever bring themselves to do: take a stand.

This month, during the Town Board meeting, members indicated their concerns regarding a moratorium on battery energy storage systems. The issue came up after a plan was denied in the town of Hanover, and the growing number of renewable energy options coming forward in the town and region.

“I think with all the solar applications that we’re getting, eventually, these companies are going to want these standalone storage systems,” said Phil Leone, town board member.

Later, the board directed town attorney Jeff Passafaro to begin drafting a local law regarding battery energy storage systems in the town. Once a local law is drafted, the Town Board can schedule a public hearing regarding the proposed law. Following the public hearing, the Town Board can act on the law at a regular meeting.

Republicans across the state and nation are quick to complain about renewable energy systems — especially when you consider their miniscule presence when it comes to power on the grid. In New York state, especially on the hottest of days, wind and solar make up around 2% of the power generation.

Yet, across fields and hills of Chautauqua County there are numerous solar panels and wind turbines. Despite their apparent beliefs, no Republican Chautauqua County legislator says a peep about the contraptions or the continued tax breaks to make them happen. It is because they believe they do not have to answer to their constituents.

Town Board members, however, are unlike the Republican legislators in Mayville. They are consistently on the hot seat — and responsible to those who elected them.