New York Municipalities Will Be Impacted by Proposed Regulatory Framework

On September 16th the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) proposed regulations as part of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The proposed regulatory framework will dramatically speed up the siting and construction of major renewable energy projects (solar, wind, etc.) larger than 25 megawatts by encouraging local governments and communities to participate in the permitting process. The new framework will require project applicants to consult with local governments before filing an application, provide public notices at various milestones throughout the process, and make application materials available in both electronic and paper format. According to the New York Governor’s press release, “Draft siting permits will be subject to public review and comment and adjudicatory hearings will be required when significant and substantive issues are identified. Additionally, for each project, municipalities and community intervenors will have access, as appropriate, to funds that will assist them in reviewing the project.”

The proposed regulations as well as uniform standards and conditions are available here for public comment pursuant to the State Administrative Procedure Act.

B&L provides engineering and environmental assessment review of proposed renewable energy sites across the State. Please contact Stephen Le Fevre if you are interested in discussing the newly proposed regulations and their potential impact on your community.