John Rich Blasts Hochul Over 100-Square-Mile Solar Push on New York Farmland

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 3

John Rich said Gov. Kathy Hochul’s renewable-energy agenda is "running over" upstate farmers, accusing the state of silencing landowners and stripping local officials of control through its permitting system.
ORES, created in 2020 for projects of 25 megawatts or more, can waive local zoning rules it finds too burdensome; Rich says that power has become a "complete and total chokeout" on rural communities.
Rich also alleged Hochul’s administration used Cornell research to redefine prime farmland, making it easier to site solar and wind projects on agricultural land that critics say should be protected.
Hochul’s office rejected the attack, arguing renewable projects are not consuming New York’s best farmland and that solar leases can help families keep farms, while a senior aide blamed tariffs, war and ICE raids for hurting farmers.
The 52-year-old singer said meetings with hundreds of landowners inspired his Oct. 28 protest song "Dear Kathy," which he calls a bipartisan fight song against large-scale projects spanning more than 100 square miles.