Guide to Solar Development for Local Governments in the Catskills 

Download the Catskill Center’s Guide to Solar Development for Local Governments in the Catskills

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is pleased to announce the release of its Guide to Solar Facility Development for Local Governments in the Catskills. This comprehensive document aims to support local governments in navigating the complexities of solar facility development while preserving the region's unique environmental, cultural, and economic resources.

Guided by the Catskill Center’s Advocacy & Policy Committee, and prepared by Community Planning & Environmental Associates, the guide addresses the dual imperative of advancing renewable energy goals while maintaining the integrity of the Catskills. It provides in-depth information, strategies, and best practices to help local governments balance these priorities.

"Moving toward solar and other forms of alternative energy is essential and inevitable. Preserving the character of our local towns and scenic vistas is equally important. Navigating these imperatives is no easy task for local officials. We hope that this guide will help them with this difficult assignment," said Claude Shostal, Chair of the Catskill Center Board of Director’s Advocacy & Policy Committee.

The guide includes an overview of the current solar development landscape, driven by New York State’s clean energy goals and the Catskills’ potential for solar energy generation. It examines the economic and environmental benefits of solar development alongside potential challenges such as land use and habitat disruption. Guidance is offered on navigating solar energy regulations and zoning considerations, with practical recommendations for sustainable siting and environmental protection. The guide also provides strategies for involving communities in the planning process, ensuring transparency, and aligning projects with local values and conservation goals.

The guide provides local governments with practical steps to conduct comprehensive solar capacity assessments, develop or refine zoning laws and permitting processes tailored to solar development, implement best management practices to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts, and leverage state initiatives and resources to support solar energy adoption.

“We’re grateful to be able to provide this guide to local governments across the Catskills to help them navigate what is often a challenging landscape of competing priorities,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “Solar energy adoption is key to a carbon free future, but just as important is the thoughtful siting and review of these projects within the unique mix of natural, cultural, and economic resources here in the Catskills.”

By utilizing this guide, local governments can more effectively manage solar energy projects in a way that balances renewable energy development with the preservation of the Catskills' distinctive character.

Download the Catskill Center’s Guide to Solar Development for Local Governments in the Catskills