Brookhaven proposes new code for solar power farms

Brookhaven Town officials announced a plan this morning to stop a proposed solar farm in a wooded area of Shoreham. About 350 acres of the Shoreham-Wading River Forest would need to be cleared in order

News 12 Staff

Sep 14, 2016, 3:22 AM

Updated 2,944 days ago

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Brookhaven Town officials announced a plan this morning to stop a proposed solar farm in a wooded area of Shoreham.
About 350 acres of the Shoreham-Wading River Forest would need to be cleared in order to construct the state's largest industrial-sized solar factory. The plan drew the ire of environmentalists who do not want to sacrifice the land.
Brookhaven Superintendent Ed Romaine announced today a new town code that would provide economic incentives to solar companies who build on rooftops, parking lots and on farmland not being used for food production. It would also eliminate the possibility of clearing trees for solar power farms.
Long Island Pine Barrens Society Executive Director Dick Amper said, "It's stupid to destroy the environment in order to save it."
A public hearing to discuss the proposed code amendments has been set for Sept. 29.