The proposal for a large-scale battery energy storage system in the town of Carmel on the Somers border has spurred local officials across the 94^th Assembly District to introduce moratoriums to prevent similar applications from coming forward. Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has written the attached letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, signed by each town supervisor of the 94^th Assembly District, which is focused on state protections for the watershed, modifying the state’s model law pertaining to battery storage, increasing setbacks for projects adjacent to or within residential zones and advocating for local control of these projects.

The 2024-25 New York State Budget expanded the purview of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and included additional protections for Native American and agricultural lands. However, the Lower Hudson River Watershed was not given any protections, affecting the region’s ongoing effort to protect New Yorkers’ access to safe, clean drinking water.

“It has been made clear to me by our partners in local government there are several modifications New York state must take to protect our environment, support our regional efforts of ensuring clean water and implementing common sense measures to ensure our neighborhoods are properly protected,” said Slater. “We are collectively urging Governor Hochul to take the necessary action based on our recent experiences that acknowledge and protect our region’s unique needs. Local governments and their taxpayers have invested millions of dollars to ensure access to clean water by maintaining and improving their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems. Although there must be a fair and transparent process to build out New York's renewable energy infrastructure, a one-size-fits-all state mandate will place an undue burden on local communities and, inevitably, fail to reflect our state’s geographic diversity,” said Slater.

“Thank you, Assemblyman Slater, for your tireless efforts in advocating for the protection of our communities’ water sources and local control over energy projects, we stand united in ensuring a better future for all New Yorkers,” said Carmel Supervisor Mike Cazzari.

“The town of Somers fully supports Assemblyman Matt Slater's letter to Governor Kathy Hochul regarding her administration's involvement in proposals to build energy storage systems in our communities in the Hudson Valley. These construction projects could have a negative impact on our groundwater supply, so it's crucial for local governments to have control. We believe that the people in our communities and those in the lower Hudson Valley watershed are in the best position to make decisions about what's appropriate for our areas,” said Robert G. Scorrano, Somers town supervisor.

 *Click here for a copy of the letter sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul*