Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) is calling for immediate transparency and accountability from state agencies following growing concerns that renewable energy projects are being approved on protected farmland, wetlands and sensitive environmental areas without proper oversight.

Blankenbush joined fellow lawmakers in formally requesting detailed information from the New York State Public Service Commission and the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) regarding wind, solar and battery storage projects that may be impacting critical natural and agricultural resources across the state.

The request seeks a full accounting of projects located on or near wetlands, designated farmland and protected wildlife habitats, as well as documentation explaining how and why state agencies may be overriding environmental protections or local land-use decisions.

“New York should be pursuing an energy future that is both reliable and responsible, but what we’re seeing instead is a troubling pattern of state agencies cutting corners and sidelining local communities,” said Blankenbush. “We cannot allow Albany bureaucrats to sacrifice our farmland, wetlands and wildlife habitats in the name of policies that lack transparency and accountability.”

ORES has been granted sweeping authority to override local zoning laws and even recommendations from the Department of Environmental Conservation, raising serious concerns among landowners, farmers and local officials.

Blankenbush emphasized that while he supports responsible energy development, the current approach raises red flags about whether environmental protections are being consistently applied.

“This is not about opposing renewable energy,” Blankenbush added. “It’s about making sure we’re doing it the right way. When decisions are made behind closed doors and projects are pushed forward despite legitimate environmental concerns, it undermines public trust and puts our communities at risk.”

The lawmakers are specifically requesting:

• A comprehensive list of renewable energy and battery storage projects impacting protected lands;
• All internal policies used when environmental recommendations are overridden;
• Documentation of approvals that contradict environmental or local land-use determinations;
• Clear standards for evaluating indirect environmental impacts; and
• Oversight measures ensuring compliance with environmental laws and protections.

Blankenbush warned that failure to provide transparency could have long-term consequences for New York’s environment, agricultural economy and energy reliability.

“Environmental protection cannot mean destroying the very resources we are supposed to protect,” he said. “If Albany is serious about both energy policy and conservation, then it must start with honesty, transparency and respect for our communities.”