Harris Beach attorney Gene Kelly moderated a panel focusing on “New York’s Renewable Energy Push” at the New York State Business Council’s Annual Environmental Conference in Saratoga Springs. The panel addressed issues arising under New York Public Service Law Article 10 project reviews affecting municipalities, the role that renewable energy development has with respect to economic development opportunities, financial incentives for renewable energy projects in New York, transmission and distribution, and how Article 10 might be improved to better align with New York’s energy policy.
The event was very well attended, with a broad array of renewable energy developers, stakeholders, consultants, state and local officials, regulators, the Chief Executive Officer of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and a NYS Public Service Commission Commissioner. Attendees interacted with policy makers and project developers, gaining critical insights into the process for renewable energy development approvals.
Emphasizing the pronounced market shift in the direction of renewable power generation in recent years, Gene’s panel featured a robust discussion of opportunities to better integrate economic development with distributed generation under the Governor’s “50 by 30” initiative. Additionally, there was an engaging discussion on strategies to forge better collaboration and partnerships with local government leaders, and the dos and don’ts of successful project development. The panel concluded with a discussion on the likely effect of President Trump’s tariffs on project components such as solar panels.