ORES Issues First Conditional Notice to Proceed With Site Preparation

Posted on February 13, 2023

On February 10, 2023, the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) issued the first Conditional Notice to Proceed with Site Preparation to Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center, LLC (MRSEC).  MRSEC will be constructing and operating the Morris Ridge Solar Project, a 177 MW solar photovoltaic energy generation facility, with potential for battery storage, located in the Town of Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York. The Facility will safely generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 47,000 New York households. The Conditional Notice approves MRSEC’s compliance filings for the Tree Felling and Site Preparation Phase of construction and permits MRSEC to proceed with site preparation activities to begin construction of the Morris Ridge Solar Project.  MRSEC anticipates commencing site preparation activities on February 21st, making the Morris Ridge Solar Project the first project to commence construction activities under Executive Law §94-c and its implementing regulations.  This approval marks an important advancement toward achieving the clean energy and climate pollutant reduction goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which directs the state to obtain 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center, LLC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EDF Renewables Development, Inc.

James Muscato and Jessica Ansert Klami served as permitting counsel for MRSEC.