New York Defends Solar Development on Farmland

New York officials are defending the siting of large solar projects on farmland after U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins questioned whether prime agricultural soils are being converted and how retired panels will be managed. The state says its permitting, disposal, and restoration rules protect agricultural land, while voluntary solar leases can help farmers sustain operations. The dispute comes as additional large-scale solar construction is expected in upstate New York.