By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has issued permits for 25 large-scale renewable energy projects in the past four years, adding 3.6 gigawatts of solar and wind power to the state's clean energy pipeline.
The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has granted a final siting permit for the White Creek Solar project, a 135-megawatt solar array in York and Leicester, Livingston County.
This marks the 20th clean energy project approved by ORES since its establishment in 2021, aimed at accelerating renewable energy permitting.
“The White Creek solar array in Western New York exemplifies New York State’s progress toward creating a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With refined siting protocols through the establishment of ORES four years ago, New York is expediting permitting for clean energy projects to achieve a clean energy economy while creating good-paying jobs that benefit communities throughout the state.”
The White Creek Solar facility will include the solar array, support equipment, an interconnection substation, fencing, access roads, and an operations and maintenance building. It will connect to the New York electrical grid via a new point of interconnection on a Rochester Gas & Electric transmission line.
Community benefits include permanent job creation, local property tax revenue, local and regional spending, and host community agreements with York and Leicester, without significantly increasing costs to local authorities, school districts, or emergency services.
Public road enhancements and increased tax revenues for infrastructure, schools, and community priorities are also expected.
ORES Executive Director Zeryai Hagos said, "With the issuance of the siting permit for White Creek Solar, ORES continues to advance New York’s nation-leading clean energy policies while being responsive to community feedback and protecting the environment."
The permit follows a thorough review process with public participation, ensuring compliance with Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law.
The application was deemed complete on July 21, 2024, and a draft permit was issued on September 13, 2024.
White Creek Solar is the 20th permit issued by ORES since 2021, representing over 2.9 gigawatts of new clean energy. This project significantly contributes to New York’s clean energy goals and establishes the state as a model for efficient renewable energy permitting.
Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay
Categories: New York, Energy