ABOUT THIS EFFORT

Concerns relating to solar development and potential conflicts with agricultural lands and their operations have been identified by many stakeholders in New York State (NYS). The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) initiated and supported the creation of the New York State Agricultural Technical Working Group (A-TWG), which is a forum where stakeholders can openly communicate concerns, identify information needs, and learn of the actions stakeholder groups could or are taking to address these concerns to improve outcomes.  

The framework for the A-TWG and related activities was informed by: 1) the model established by the NYS Offshore Wind Environmental Technical Working Group and the Fisheries Technical Working Group; 2) conversations held by CBI with most A-TWG members during February and March 2021; 3) experience planning and facilitating the Offshore Wind Technical Work Groups for the past two years; and 4) best professional judgment based on facilitating other multi-stakeholder groups on issues of public interest in New York State, nationally, and internationally.