The New York State Association of Counties has released a new report urging state leaders to better balance renewable energy development with the protection of agricultural land and local decision-making authority.
The report, titled Balancing Renewable Energy Siting and Farmland Protection in New York State, outlines recommendations developed by NYSAC’s Steering Committee on Energy Siting and Farmland Protection following input from county officials across New York.
According to the report, county leaders broadly support renewable energy development but believe preserving agricultural viability must be treated as an equal priority as the state pursues its clean energy goals.
The steering committee was formed in 2025 by NYSAC’s Agriculture, Economic Development and Rural Affairs Committee and its Climate Action, Energy and Environment Committee. The group was co-chaired by Jen Metzger and Doug Berwanger.
Committee members conducted a statewide survey of county officials, hosted a summit on renewable energy siting issues, and used the findings to develop policy recommendations.
Among the report’s recommendations are stronger protections for New York’s most productive farmland, restoration of greater local authority over renewable energy siting decisions, expanded use of brownfields, landfills, rooftops and parking canopies for renewable energy projects, increased investment in farmland preservation programs, and improvements to electric transmission infrastructure.
The report also argues that renewable energy siting decisions should be considered alongside broader discussions about New York’s future energy supply and grid reliability.
County leaders say concerns have grown as New York accelerates efforts to meet clean energy targets while large-scale solar and other renewable projects increasingly seek locations in rural communities and on agricultural land.
The report concludes that New York can achieve both clean energy development and farmland protection goals but says doing so will require a more balanced siting framework and additional investment in alternative energy strategies and farmland preservation efforts.
