Welcome to the premiere episode of California Screamin', where we dive into the critical issues facing our Golden State with unfiltered truth and values of accountability, safety, and fiscal responsibility. Hosted by Carol Pefley. This episode spotlights the devastating Moss Landing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) fire and features an exclusive interview with physicist Dr. Michael Hogan.

The Moss Landing Crisis

The January 16, 2025, fire at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing facility—one of the world's largest BESS sites—unleashed toxic plumes of heavy metals like nickel, manganese, and cobalt over the Elkhorn Slough wetlands, evacuating 1,200 residents and smoldering for weeks. Cleanup could drag on for two years, raising alarms about ongoing environmental risks from these "green" energy projects that prioritize rushed development over community safety. Carol Pefley highlights how Sacramento's one-party rule greenlights such hazards, polluting our air, water, and farms while driving up costs for families.

Expert Insights: Dr. Michael Hogan

Dr. Michael Hogan, a Stanford PhD physicist and environmental expert with over 1,200 publications, breaks down the thermal runaway dangers of lithium-ion batteries, poor facility design in repurposed buildings, and failed fire suppression systems that turned Moss Landing into a "worst-case scenario." As a Monterey County resident and advisor on national energy policy, Dr. Hogan warns of the fraud, waste, and health threats from these unchecked projects—echoing Carol's call for real oversight. His analysis reveals why California must reject toxic battery deals and protect our communities first.

Why This Matters

Residents in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties deserve leaders who fight corporate giveaways and demand transparency, not more Sacramento experiments endangering lives. Join Carol Pefley in restoring accountability, cut regulations, defend our environment responsibly, and prioritize people over politics.