Navigating the Challenges of Solar Permitting and Agricultural Preservation in New York

## Solar Permitting – Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York

Overview

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has set an ambitious target for New York: achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, which includes an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a 15% offset. An interim target of a 40% reduction by 2030 is also established, alongside a mandate for all electricity generation to be zero-emissions by 2040. The Climate Action Council (CAC) was tasked with creating a Scoping Plan to accomplish this clean energy agenda, primarily centered around electrifying as much as possible using zero-emissions electricity.

The Integration Analysis conducted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) quantifies the impacts of these electrification strategies, which were subsequently used to draft the Scoping Plan. Following a year-long review, the final plan was completed at the end of 2022.

Hecate Energy’s Shepherd’s Run Solar Farm

Hecate Energy’s Shepherd’s Run Solar Farm, a 42 MW utility-scale solar facility located in Copake, NY, is designed to generate approximately 70,000 MWh of energy annually, which is enough to power over 9,500 households. The project covers 880 acres, with a footprint of 267 acres, and utilizes photovoltaic panels mounted on ground-based trackers that follow the sun’s path.

This project has garnered significant media attention, partly due to the area’s scenic beauty attracting affluent individuals from New York City. While Hecate identified this location for solar development in 2017, local opposition quickly emerged, leading to changes in zoning laws aimed at restricting large solar installations. After submitting a notice of intent to the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to expedite the permitting process, Hecate faced legal challenges from the town of Copake, which claimed the project violated local zoning laws. In May 2023, a ruling dismissed this lawsuit, allowing the project to proceed.

Disinformation Campaigns

Recently, concerns have been raised about disinformation campaigns impacting renewable energy projects in New York. An article by Matt Levine, project director for the Shepherd’s Run Solar Farm, suggests that opposition to such projects often stems from misinformation. He argues that these campaigns hinder economic and environmental progress by blocking projects that could provide significant local benefits.

Levine cites a report by the Sabin Center at Columbia University, which identified a rise in local policies aimed at obstructing renewable energy developments. He emphasizes that these campaigns not only undermine the goal of clean energy but also adversely impact the communities they claim to protect.

However, it is worth noting that while solar energy projects can generate revenue for landowners, the long-term impacts on local agriculture and economic stability must be considered, as taking farmland out of production can harm local farmers and businesses.

Farmland Concerns

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has established guidelines to limit the conversion of agricultural land for solar projects to no more than 10% of Prime Farmland soils. Unfortunately, many projects, including the Shepherd’s Run, exceed these guidelines. Critics argue that the current permitting process lacks sufficient safeguards to protect prime agricultural land, leading to irreversible damage to New York’s farming community.

As the demand for solar energy increases, it is crucial to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of agricultural land. The absence of a coherent policy addressing these concerns suggests that without intervention, New York may face significant losses in its agricultural viability.

Conclusion

The challenges surrounding solar permitting in New York highlight the need for a more balanced approach to renewable energy development. While the goals outlined in the Climate Act are commendable, the execution must consider the local economic and agricultural impacts. As the state moves forward with its ambitious clean energy agenda, it is vital to ensure that environmental and agricultural interests are not sidelined. The ongoing discourse around the Shepherd’s Run and similar projects will play a critical role in shaping the future of solar energy in New York.