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Senators debate agrivoltaics pilot bill, urge stronger Agriculture and Markets role in approvals
Summary
A Senate Agriculture and Food Committee bill to create an agrivoltaics viability pilot program was referred to finance after members pressed for clearer protections for farmland and for greater decision-making authority for the Department of Agriculture and Markets rather than NYSERDA.
A bill to establish an agrivoltaics viability pilot program in New York was referred to the Senate Finance Committee after members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food raised concerns about who would have final authority over approvals.
The bill (listed in the committee as “Senate 62868 by Senator Hinge”) would amend the Public Authorities Law to create a pilot program for agrivoltaics, a dual-use solar approach that pairs photovoltaic installations with agricultural activity. Committee members voted to refer the bill to finance after discussion and assurances from the sponsor that definitions in the bill aim to protect farmland.
Why it matters: Senators said the bill’s structure could shift oversight and final decision-making to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), potentially prioritizing renewable-energy deployment goals over farmland protection. Members pressed for stronger leadership…
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