During today’s joint legislative budget hearing on Environmental Conservation and Energy, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) questioned representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding the siting of large-scale renewable energy projects, including the proposed Fort Edward Solar facility in Washington County and battery storage developments in Northville. These projects have sparked widespread concern and opposition from residents and communities directly impacted who feel their voices are being sidelined in the rush to meet aggressive state renewable targets.

“The responses from today’s hearing reveal the inconsistent and often disjointed approach to project approvals and disapprovals,” said Simpson. “State agencies wield broad authority to override community priorities and longstanding environmental safeguards. This top-down strategy disproportionately targets vulnerable rural and upstate areas that lack the resources to fully challenge powerful state processes, creating an uneven playing field in pursuit of the green energy agenda. Restoring home rule authority for communities that are not yet ready for such siting decisions can protect them from preemptive overreach from the Office of Renewable Energy Siting.”

“At the same time, this strong-armed push to electrify our state is rapidly straining the grid, limiting consumer choice in energy sources and driving up utility bills for families and small businesses already facing high costs,” Simpson continued. “Electrification without adequate, balanced planning has led to higher expenses for everyday New Yorkers and increasing reliability concerns.”