A voice from resident Linda Granata summed up much of what was heard at the Pomfret City Council meeting last week regarding a RIC Energy solar project in the Van Buren Road and Bernett Drive area: “I can’t believe that with all the empty fields in Fredonia, you chose this area. That does not make sense.

But no matter how many residents protest, it looks like renewable energy projects have been almost free to go where they can find land. This edict comes from Albany, who hopes that all of New York State’s energy will be green by 2040. It’s an ambitious goal that is becoming increasingly evident in our landscapes.

There are turbines in Arkwright, Cherry Creek, and Charlotte. Solar farms are located throughout the county – with some residents adding them to their roofs.

Pomfret has a difficult task ahead of him. If he says “no” on the plan, does he have the last word?

In 2020, New York State launched the Renewable Energy Accelerated Growth and Community Benefits Act. This places decisions on large-scale solar and wind projects at the discretion of New York State.

This developer, whatever the local decision, can be here to stay.