New York denies a Columbia County solar permit over flood and wetland gaps
The state siting office refused a 42-megawatt project in Copake after finding that a town floodplain law tied to federal flood insurance cannot be waived and that the wetland survey ignored 2022 law.
Solar and wind developers seeking state siting permits in New York carry the burden of proving, on the record, that their projects meet a town's floodplain law and the 2022 wetlands statute, and a new denial shows what happens when that proof is missing. On October 14, 2026, the Interim Executive Director of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission ("ORES") denied a permit for the 42-megawatt Shepherd's Run solar project in the Town of Copake, Columbia County, in Hecate Energy Columbia Cnty. 1, LLC, Matter No. 24-03041 (N.Y. Off. of Renewable Energy Siting & Elec. Transmission Oct. 14, 2026) (final decision of interim executive director).
Hecate Energy Columbia Cnty. 1, LLC, Matter No. 24-03041 (N.Y. Off. of Renewable Energy Siting & Elec. Transmission Oct. 14, 2026) (final decision of interim executive director)