New York Establishes Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to Accelerate Clean Energy Development

New York — New York created the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) as per the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act that passed in the 2020 NYS budget. ORES will keep local communities at the center of developing local zoning policy, preserves local participation, and provides towns with the funding needed to meaningfully engage in the siting process. The state recently released the draft rules that will establish how ORES evaluates wind and solar projects. 

ORES held public hearings from November 17 to 23 in Buffalo, Rochester, Long Island, Watertown, Albany and two virtual hearings on November 24 and 30. Some attendees at the hearings made false claims about wind and solar, many of which have been spread by the fossil fuel industry. This factsheet debunks many of these false claims. 

Joanne Scanlon, solar advocate and representative of Supporters of Horseshoe Solar from Rush, NY issued the following statement:

"Here is my vision for the future for NYS implementing the 94-C review process: Renewable energy projects will move forward in a reasonable timeframe, helping our economy rebound from the economic downturn caused by Covid-19 . We will have well-paying union jobs, tax revenues for our communities, and no longer be reliant on importing energy from Canada or other areas." 

Sara Schultz, Chair of the Sierra Club Niagara Group, issued the following statement: 

"We have heard from many landowners and farmers who need to harvest solar energy to hold on to their land. With the growing success of agrivoltaics, solar farmers can reap extra benefits from non-prime land by raising sheep, goats or honey bees. This enriches our environment and keeps our farmers in business. It is a win-win that will be more easily achieved without the delay and complicated application process that came with Article 10. We need strong policies to overcome this backward movement." 

Giuseppina Agovino, Founding Member of Friends of Flint Mine Solar, issued the following statement:

“Our future, and the future of our children depends on the decision we make today. Saying no to a future with clean air, clean water, and economic growth through renewable energy is not an option. We must all work together to insure the success of renewable energy in NY State. We, the Friends of Flint Mine Solar look forward to seeing the Flint Mine project up and running in the near future.”