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New state Office of Renewable Energy Siting holding meetings for public input

Public input on clean energy proposals in the Buffalo area and statewide is being welcomed starting tonight. But a state legislator says it may not be enough to include rural citizens.

The newly created Office for Renewable Energy Siting will determine approvals for future large-scale wind and solar projects in New York State.

Advocates for clean energy have scheduled a virtual public hearing at 5 p.m. Tuesday to get feedback on clean energy proposals in the Buffalo area.

Jessica Enzmann from the Sierra Club said her organization strongly supports clean renewable energy, but such projects often are bogged down in bureaucracy and can take years to receive approval.

"While one project is under construction, dozens of others have been mired in bureaucratic delay and unnecessary process."

More virtual hearings are scheduled for locations across the state through the end of the month. But State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt says the public comment period should be extended to make sure citizens in rural areas with limited broadband internet access have a chance to take part. He says they should “have a say in the policies that will shape their communities for generations to come.”

Registration for the Buffalo virtual meeting can be found here. Registration for additional scheduled hearings can be found online at ores.ny.gov.

Avery began his broadcasting career as a disc jockey for WRUB, the University at Buffalo’s student-run radio station.