State Issues Final Permit for Boralex’s Fort Edward Solar Project; Young/Sommer Supports 5.6 GWs of Permitted Projects
Posted on May 28, 2026
New York’s clean energy momentum continues with the recent approval of the Fort Edward Solar project in Washington County, a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. The Fort Edward Solar Project, a 100-megawatt solar array in the Town of Fort Edward, is expected to power approximately 25,600 homes and create approximately 120 construction jobs. Jim Muscato and Austin Scarborough, leading environmental and energy attorneys at Young/Sommer, were instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory landscape to ensure Fort Edward Solar met all state requirements.
Their deep understanding of New York’s Article VIII permitting process and ORES’s evolving siting protocols helped navigate the regulatory landscape to ultimately receive a Siting Permit. This included additional efforts to work with key stakeholders such as Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) on the negotiation of an agreement supporting long-term grassland bird habitat conservation efforts. The agreement reflects more than five years of ongoing discussion between the organizations regarding grassland bird conservation, renewable energy development, and the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with private property rights. As part of the agreement, Fort Edward Solar will provide funding to support GBT’s mission to permanently protect habitat for grassland bird species in the Washington County Grassland Bird Conservation Center. The funding will support land acquisition efforts designed to deliver measurable conservation outcomes for grassland bird species and the broader grassland ecosystem. In connection with this agreement, GBT has confirmed that its concerns regarding grassland bird mitigation associated with the project have been addressed through the agreed-upon framework and has withdrawn its pending appeal related to the project’s permitting process.
The project’s approval aligns with New York State’s ambitious climate agenda. With more than 5 gigawatts of renewable energy projects permitted, the Renewable Energy Practice at Young/Sommer continues to be vital in translating policy into action. As Fort Edward Solar continues to develop, the work of Young/Sommer serves as a role model for developing renewable energy projects in New York State. Their expertise ensures that New York remains a national leader in clean energy development, fostering economic opportunities while advancing the state’s ambitious environmental goals.