S1793C

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hinchey that requires the state's Office of Renewable Energy Siting to consider prime agricultural lands when approving solar energy projects. The bill, Senate Print 1793C (Calendar No. 1567), passed on a roll call vote of 61-0. Sen. Hinchey argued the measure strikes a balance between New York's renewable energy goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the protection of farmland and food production. She noted that solar developers frequently site projects on agricultural land because it is flat and expansive, but farmers often receive insufficient compensation to sustain their operations or pay property taxes. The bill amends the Executive Law to require the Office of Renewable Energy Siting to account for soil classifications in four classes of prime agricultural land during the siting process. Hinchey said the legislation represents the first time such agricultural protections have been included in statute governing renewable energy development in the state. The measure takes effect immediately.