The dangers of solar panels and battery energy storage systems are well documented. A simple search will provide you with the strengths and weaknesses of these systems. One factor not included with the search is the local municipalities decision making process with regards to solar and lithium battery local laws.
Solar companies’ main objective is to make a profit. They are aggressively pursuing projects for fear of losing Federal Tax Credits, which greatly enhances the company’s bottom line. Some municipalities are desperate to find additional sources of revenue and push these projects through economic development projects, though job creation is limited and temporary. Some municipalities support solar/battery projects to help offset prior poor fiscal decisions or to accommodate a few residents.
Solar projects typically encompass large areas and have a useful life of two-plus decades. Solar companies look for areas close to transmission stations which often are near residential areas. These projects will change the character of an area for decades and influence economic factors in the area. Knowing this, the municipalities’ primary concern should be protecting the health, welfare and safety of the community.
Solar farms are a reality. Municipalities need to be vigilant in their decision-making process. Solar farms located in rural areas with large tracts of open landscape typically minimize neighborhood impact. However, when an approved solar project requires clearcutting of acreage, displacement of habitat, and drainage flowing into a creek which flows to a protected body of water and next to homes with wells, consideration for the health, welfare and safety of the area has taken a back seat for reasons only known to the decision makers.
Why would they do that? That is the question asked by hundreds of residents.
I have discussed the solar and battery issue with officials representing several municipalities in Chemung County. Opinions varied, however, all agreed that a municipal comprehensive plan should be conducted or updated and used as a guide. For a municipal planning board to make solar and battery storage decisions absent a comprehensive plan is simply irresponsible. A town board not providing funds to conduct a comprehensive plan is deficient representation to the community. A comprehensive plan is often referred to as the bible for a municipal planning board.
The Town of Veteran’s transparent due diligence with solar and battery local laws focused on the health, welfare and safety of the community. A perfect example of reasonable and sensible legislation. The community is the priority with the solar company and individual benefactors being secondary.
Be watchful of the priorities and benefactors of your local legislation. Ask yourself if your community representatives are putting the health, welfare and safety of its residents first.
— Chemung County Legislator John J. Burin serves District 9 covering the city and town of Elmira.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Opinion: Chemung County solar projects must put health, welfare, safety of residents first
Reporting by John J. Burin / Elmira Star-Gazette
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