Large-Scale Solar Webinar Series for Planners and Municipal Officials

Large-scale solar development is being seen as both a part of the solution to our energy needs while helping to address climate change and a concerning trend that's taking over active agricultural land. Further, the projects often present issues that most municipalities have never had to contend with, including physical and social impacts to their communities on a scale they're not used to dealing with. This series will address many of the issues municipal officials and planners are confronted with when encountering large-scale solar projects. 

All sessions are free to attend, and will be recorded (recordings and presentation slides will be posted here following the sessions).

Session 1: Working Effectively with the Community/Municipality/Developer

Large-scale renewable energy projects present many challenges for municipal officials and planners. Good communication and coordination between all stakeholders can be crucial for these projects to move forward without creating strong feelings that can divide a community. Our presenters will talk about how to establish an effective framework for bringing all stakeholders into the process and resources available through NYSERDA to help municipalities navigate the process.

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View the presentation slides:
Jessica Bacher, Pace University Land Use Law Center
Neely Kelly, AES Corporation
Jennifer Manierre, NYSERDA

Session 2: Environmental Concerns

Large-scale renewable energy projects can transform thousands of acres, affecting stormwater management, soils, creating noise and other disturbances during construction, and more. How can municipalities assess what's at risk in their communities and what tools are available for them to manage these issues? Presenters will also talk about real and not-so-real concerns about the equipment itself.

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View the presentation slides:
Jason Mulford, NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets
Annick Anctil, Michigan State University

Session 3: First-responder concerns

Large-scale renewable energy projects can present health and safety concerns that could require emergency services. How can municipalities ensure they are prepared? Our presenter will cover the most significant health and safety concerns associated with large-scale solar projects and how to ensure facilities are as safe as possible and emergency personnel are properly trained to respond.

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View the presentation slides: 
Brian Scholl, Energy Safety Response Group

Session 4: Community benefit agreements

Host community benefit agreements can be used to return financial benefits from large-scale renewable energy projects into the community they're sited in -- to help pay for everything from playgrounds and new trails to emergency response equipment. Presenters will cover how these agreements work and who can/should be part of them. They will also talk about how to use payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements to disincentivize siting these projects on active and/or prime farmland and earmark some of those payments to benefit specific community groups, including the ag community that is often directly affected by them.

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View the presentation slides: 
Joe Lawrence, PRO-DAIRY
Christie Gross, Clean Connect Strategies
Matthew Eisenson, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Last updated July 31, 2025