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For Immediate Release: 02/16/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23016/14-F-0490; 17-F-0599; 17-F-0597 February 16, 2023
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PSC Moves 3 Major Wind and Solar Projects Forward |
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Commission Approves Compliance Filings for Clean-Energy Projects Totaling 266 MWs ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved important compliance filings for three major wind and solar farms in upstate New York, part of the continuing effort of the Commission to spur the development of clean, renewable energy in New York State. Actions taken for East Point solar and High River solar are for initiation of certain construction activities. The action taken for Cassadaga Wind is a reporting requirement after one year of commercial operation.
“The solar and wind farms being built across our great State are vital to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s aggressive carbon reduction and clean energy targets to combat climate change,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Each of these projects benefit all New Yorkers by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, boosting clean-energy investment, creating clean energy jobs, and improving our environment.”
The compliance filings relate to the following projects: Cassadaga Wind, a 126-megawatt (MW) project in the towns of Charlotte, Cherry Creek, Arkwright, and Stockton in Chautauqua County; East Point, a 50-MW solar farm in the Town of Sharon, Schoharie County; and High River, a 90-MW solar farm in the Town of Florida, Montgomery County.
Regarding Cassadaga Wind, which is already operational, the Commission today approved compliance filings related to its decommissioning and site restoration plan; regarding East Point, the Commission approved compliance filings related to its sound-generating equipment installation phase; and finally, regarding High River, the Commission approved compliance filings related to its decommissioning and restoration phase. For High River and East Point, there will be other construction phases and approvals required before expected operation in the fourth quarter of 2023.
New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.8 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 14-F-0490 [Cassadaga]; 17-F-0599 [East Point] and 17-F-0597 [High River Energy] in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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