Essex amends temporary solar moratorium

ESSEX | A second public hearing on the proposed law that aims to halt the development of proposed solar projects temporarily will take place on Sept. 11 at 6:15 p.m. at the Town Hall. Following the first public hearing in July, town officials decided to table the approval of the temporary moratorium on major solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems to seek further clarification and make modifications based on feedback received from residents and stakeholders. More precise definitions were provided for what constitutes a significant project. For instance, battery energy storage projects that comprise one or more devices and are capable of storing enough energy to supply electrical energy at a later time, specifically those with energy capacities greater than 600 kilowatts (kW) per hour of energy, are included; however, stand-alone batteries and electric motor vehicles are exempt. As for solar energy projects, the proposed law applies to any ground or roof-mounted energy system designed and intended to supply energy into a utility grid for off-site consumption and/or for sale to off-site customers. It does not include on-site systems that produce up to 10 kilowatts (kW) per hour of energy and serve the building to which they are attached. If approved, the moratorium would be set for six months, but it could be extended once for an additional six-month period. The modified law was brought back for a vote again in August, but town officials decided to table their decision once again, said Supervisor Ken Hughes. "The town council decided that it was best to allow the public to see the revised and updated language [...] of the local law before deliberating on whether to ratify it or not." Following the public hearing, the town council will then either approve, disapprove, or table the proposed law again. This will be the town's third attempt to pass the moratorium. The first attempt took place in March. "I introduced the law, and there was a lot of pushback back then," Hughes stressed about the original law he drafted himself, drawing inspiration from a similar law from the Town of Westerlo in Albany County. "Clearly, the timing was not right. I was not seeking to cause great consternation in the community; I was trying to respond to a situation that already existed with the commercial solar farm that's in the process of being built now." Currently, Community Power Group of Washington, D.C., is spearheading solar field development on Hickory Hill, just west of the hamlet on the south side of Route 22, that will be able to generate enough power for 600 to 800 homes once complete. Known as a "community solar project," power users served by NYSEG will be able to indirectly tap into the energy produced by the array in exchange for a 5% to 10% discount on their bills. "I believe some people in the town were upset that the moratorium didn't stop this project," Hughes said about the project that started about three years ago. "But the point of this moratorium was to put a pause on other potential projects temporarily, at least until the comprehensive plan is complete." Part of the comprehensive plan aims to evaluate and amend their zoning and local laws related to these uses, determining where exactly solar energy can be produced and where it shouldn't be developed. "In some areas, you see solar farms all over the place, these massive fields of just glass. If that's what they want, good for them. But I personally don't want that for Essex," Hughes said. "However, I'm just one person, and just because I'm a supervisor, it doesn't mean I get my way. I want to know what the people think and want for the town, too." A copy of the proposed law can be viewed at the Town Hall or online at essexnewyork.com.

Signup for our newsletter

Essex amends temporary solar moratorium

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS