Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting has issued a siting permit to Moraine Solar Energy Center, LLC, for EDF Renewables North America to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a 94-megawatt solar facility in the Town of Burns, Allegany County. Once completed, this solar facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power over 25,000 New York homes and reduce carbon emissions by over 130,000 metric tons, which is equivalent to taking nearly 29,000 cars off the road. This solar facility is expected to create more than 130 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and operation.
Today's announcement, when coupled with previously permitted facilities by the Office, marks the approval of 13 major renewable energy facilities, totaling over 2.1 gigawatts since 2021. This underscores New York's leadership in the fight on climate change by demonstrating the most rapid pace of major renewable energy facility approvals in the State’s history.
"By accelerating the development of renewable energy, we’re cementing our position as a national leader in climate action, while creating jobs and spurring economic development across the state," Governor Hochul said. "The approval of Moraine Solar brings us closer to surpassing our ambitious climate goals helping create a cleaner and healthier New York where future generations can thrive.”
ORES conducted detailed, transparent, site- and project-specific environmental reviews for these 13 siting permits, with robust public participation, including consideration of nearly 2,300 public and municipal comments, to ensure that the proposed facilities meet or exceed the requirements of Executive Law § 94-c and its implementing regulations.
ORES Executive Director Houtan Moaveni said, “Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York stands ready to confront the most pressing existential challenge of our time – the threat of global climate change. ORES is well-positioned to help achieve New York State’s nation-leading clean energy objectives, while ensuring the protection of the environment and consideration of all pertinent social, economic, and environmental factors.”
For a majority of the 13 permitted facilities, host municipalities, applicants, and ORES took a collaborative, consent-based approach that resolved local concerns without the need for a full administrative hearing process. Local agencies and community groups had access to over $2.1 million of funding to facilitate their participation in the permitting process. As these projects proceed, ORES will continue to work collaboratively with the host municipalities and community stakeholders throughout the construction phase.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Office’s website at https://ores.ny.gov/permit-applications.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives.
Source: ny.gov
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: New York, Government & Policy