AVON, N.Y. — A bill working through the New York State Senate could open state forest lands to windmills and solar panels without county or town approval.
News10NBC’s Garrett Chan went down to Livingston County, where if passed, four different forest lands could be at risk.
Avon Town Supervisor David LeFeber shared his concern that solar and wind companies could come in and ruin the scenic forestlands that people love.
“We have 11,000 total acres. 7,600 is around the Hemlock Lake area. The Hemlock Lake watershed. This is a very important water source. It’s been protected for centuries…it’s a scenic scenic area in our county,” LeFeber said.
The bill is sponsored by Senator Rachel May, who represents the 48th District that covers Syracuse and parts of Onondaga and Cayuga counties. The bill would allow the Department of Environmental Conservation to open hundreds of thousands of acres of forest across New York to renewable energy developers.
LeFeber also spoke on whether the state is ready to make the shift.
“I think it’s quite a challenge to do it as quickly as the state is trying to do it at this time…I’m in support of renewable and green energy, but I think it has to be done in a thoughtful way. And period of time that’s reasonable to expect to make the transition,” LeFeber said.
The bill passed the New York State Senate back in late February. But on Wednesday, it was called back for another look. It will be the third time the bill now goes through the state legislature.
“Our home rule is very important. Municipalities have their local laws and those are in place to protect residents concerns and character and quality of life and atmosphere of a particular community,” LeFeber said.
LeFeber says he is not opposed to efforts by the state to be more renewable energy dependent. In fact, the town of Avon has embraced it. LeFeber said the Avon town hall is powered by geothermal energy.
“I think we would certainly if it advances, I think we will look at it very carefully. And, you know, consider our options before we make any hasty moves, but we definitely will, you know, look at our options and decide what the best course of action might be to represent our constituency here in Livingston County,” LeFeber said.
News10NBC is working to hear from Senator Rachel May, who sponsored the bill. The bill has been voted on twice in the New York Senate. Last June, 40 senators voted in favor of the bill while 19 opposed. In the vote back in February, 42 voted yes while 15 said no.
You can find complete details on Senate Bill S4408A below:
s4408aDownloadNew York Senate bill could open 11,000 acres of Livingston County forest land to solar and wind development WHEC.com.
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