John Rich challenges Hochul over renewable-energy siting

Climate · First reported 3 Nov, 13:30 · Updated 14:58

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Rekia1991 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Country singer John Rich criticized New York’s renewable-energy permitting system and released “Dear Kathy,” a song opposing large solar and wind projects on farmland. Hochul’s office defended the state’s approach and disputed Rich’s criticism.

Rich says New York’s renewable-energy siting rules reduce local control over proposed solar and wind projects; Hochul’s office says projects are not taking over the state’s best farmland.
The state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting, created in 2020, generally handles projects capable of producing 25 megawatts or more and can waive local land-use restrictions it deems unreasonably burdensome.
Rich said meetings with farmers and landowners inspired his song, released October 28; he said he would meet with Hochul to discuss their concerns.

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Key facts

ORES established: Created in 2020 under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo; generally handles projects of 25 megawatts or more. (b19b3c72-d6c6-4328-bbd9-23c555ee96ad)
Song release: “Dear Kathy” was released October 28. (e6f5ec2b-4b26-4744-b2cd-0709f5e9284e)
Rich’s estimate: He said proposed solar projects in upstate New York total more than 100 square miles. (b19b3c72-d6c6-4328-bbd9-23c555ee96ad)
State’s position: Hochul’s administration says renewable projects are not taking over New York’s best farmland. (e6f5ec2b-4b26-4744-b2cd-0709f5e9284e)