In celebration of Earth Day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the approval of three large-scale solar energy projects that will deliver 150 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to New York’s power grid—enough to supply 40,000 homes.

The projects were granted final siting permits by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES), continuing the state’s push toward carbon neutrality and energy independence.

The newly approved solar facilities include:

• Foothills Solar (40 MW) in the Town of Mayfield, Fulton County
• Rock District Solar (20 MW) in Seward and Carlisle, Schoharie County
• York Run Solar (90 MW) in Kiantone and Busti, Chautauqua County

Together, these projects will offset more than 97,000 metric tons of CO₂ and support an estimated 240 construction jobs. Each facility will include solar arrays, interconnection substations, and support infrastructure such as fencing, access roads, and maintenance buildings.

Since the creation of ORES in 2021, New York has approved 28 large-scale wind and solar projects, totaling 3.7 gigawatts of clean power capacity. The Foothills, Rock District, and York Run solar projects were each approved in under a year—a key benchmark set under state law to accelerate renewable development.

“New York is expediting clean energy permitting while creating jobs and cutting emissions,” said Governor Hochul. “These Earth Day approvals demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, resiliency, and local economic growth.”

The projects align with New York’s goal of a zero-emissions electricity grid by 2040, part of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Under this framework, at least 35% of clean energy benefits must reach disadvantaged communities, and every approved project undergoes a rigorous environmental and public review process.

ORES Executive Director Zeryai Hagos noted that the office is nearing 4 gigawatts of permitted solar and wind power, saying, “We are advancing clean energy while staying responsive to communities and protecting the environment.”

Public documents and decision materials for each project are available on the ORES permit application site.