To the editor:

The recent surge in visits to the Adirondacks shows that New Yorkers value our woods, waters, mountains and the open spaces that surround, buffer and embrace “the Park.” Protection for these areas is now endangered by our own state government. While the pandemic raged and the budget deadline loomed, an amendment to that budget established a brand-new state agency. The Office of Renewable Energy Siting will now be setting the standards for siting, design, construction, operation, environmental review AND permitting of wind and solar facilities over 25 megawatts. This bypasses the previous Public Service Commission Article 10 regulations, which included and protected local governments and concerns in the process.

On Sept. 16, 2020, this office issued the draft of new regulations, standards and procedures for public comment. Unfortunately, these new regulations are weaker than necessary for health, safety, environmental and property protection in our rural areas. In addition, the process and timeline for public review and involvement is unreasonably difficult and brief, considering the permanence and profound effects of these facilities.

Many New York towns have already been targeted for industrial-scale renewable energy projects because of large open areas, less zoning and lower real estate costs. Communities have been bullied, bribed, corrupted, strong-armed and torn asunder by corporations hoping to capitalize on state and federal supports for their facilities. Our neighbors from these areas warn us of negative effects on their sleep, health, hearing, agriculture, wildlife, woodlands, water resources and property values. These new regulations, intended to implement and accelerate the process, are NOT the answer. It’s time to utilize appropriate sized technology and the BUILT environment, where the power is needed and used, not sacrifice our farmlands, fields, forests and the residents who depend on them.

Concerned Citizens for Rural Preservation is sending information to towns across New York to alert and assist them in reviewing and revising these new rules to protect the Adirondack Park, adjacent communities, “home rule” and LOCAL control of land use. Please join us in calling for a 90-day extension of the public comment period beyond the present Nov. 16 deadline, to allow adequate time to assess the new regulations and put in place protective wind, solar and battery storage system laws. Our website has information: http://www.nnywind.com, Facebook @CitizensForRuralPreservation.

Thank you!

Lucia “Luke” Dailey

Colton