The Town of Niagara has extended an existing moratorium on new solar and wind facility developments for another six-month period.
It was originally approved in June and will now last through this coming July, following approval at the town board meeting this past Tuesday. It is the only extension allowed under the law.
Town Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso said the town does not yet have enough information, such as figuring out where the best locations for green energy facilities would be in the town. Town officials are starting to work on a comprehensive plan and making updates to its code book, as town zoning regulations do not currently address such facilities.
“We just want them in the best locations in the Town of Niagara,” Virtuoso said, not knowing if the town needs the whole six months to get this settled.
She also wants to form a committee that will gather information on the issue.
The law’s stated purpose is to, “protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town of Niagara,” and “to maintain the status quo” on solar and wind energy developments.
Despite the moratorium, officials say they are still receiving inquiries from companies looking to develop new facilities in the Town of Niagara.