We, the undersigned residents and neighboring community members, respectfully urge the Town of Elmira to pause all current solar projects and undertake a comprehensive revision of the town’s solar laws. Commercial-scale solar farms are being proposed in residential areas, near vital water reservoirs and wells and on forested land, raising significant concerns about the health, safety, and welfare of residents and the surrounding environment. We are asking that  a moratorium be imposed on all solar and solar battery projects.

We call on the Town of Elmira to prioritize the protection of its residents, natural resources, and community integrity by taking the following actions:

Requests to the Town of Elmira

1. Engage Expert Guidance

Hire a consultant with expertise in renewable energy zoning to help design policies that balance renewable energy development with neighborhood and environmental protection.

2. Update Zoning Regulations

Adopt revised zoning provisions to regulate the placement and scale of solar farms, ensuring residential and agricultural areas are shielded from negative impacts.

3. Establish Sensitive Area Exclusions

Define exclusion zones around residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, and critical water supplies to safeguard these sensitive areas from solar farm development.

4. Protect Forested Lands

Implement guidelines for forested areas, including strict limits on the amount of tree clearing permitted for solar installations.

5. Develop Fire Safety and Emergency Plans

Require comprehensive fire prevention and evacuation plans for all solar farm projects to address public safety concerns.

6. Prohibit Lithium Battery Installations

Restrict the use of lithium battery storage systems in solar projects due to their potential environmental and safety risks.

7. Impose a Solar Project Moratorium

Establish a temporary moratorium on all solar farm developments until local zoning laws are updated to prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of Elmira’s residents and environment.

By taking these measures, the Town of Elmira can ensure that renewable energy development is pursued responsibly, with a commitment to protecting its citizen, neighborhoods, natural resources, and future.

Thank you for considering this important request.