Rush residents share thoughts on Horseshoe Solar Project - RochesterFirst

Rush residents share thoughts on Horseshoe Solar Project

RUSH N.Y. (WROC) – According to Invenergy, the company behind this project, the goal is to create more jobs and meet New York’s growing electric demand.

This plan is projected to provide 180 megawatts of energy, 600,000 solar panels, and keep between 35,000 – 50,000 homes powered annually—according to the company’s website.

And this is not a new project. A representative from the company made their pitch to the community in 20-19.

“(The extra money) wasn’t there before. Much more than the land is generating out of (agriculture) revenues for sure,” said Marguerite Wells.

However, Robin Rapport, a Rush resident recalls this project being introduced back in 2019 and had concerns for the public’s health regarding the water.

Today in the public hearing that same resident voiced his concerns to the Public Service Commission in a virtual public hearing.

“Detailed analysis indicating that if you drive a 10 ft steel tube into the ground it’s secure and therefore you can put 40,000 to 80,000 poles in the ground and there won’t be any problems. They never asked the question what does it do to the water flow. Does it increase contamination? Does it change the way the water travels,” said Rapport.

Rapport says although he believes this project should be done away with altogether, he also suggests something else should be done to prevent any damages if they go through with the project.

“It’s too easy to say it’s wrong but what is definitely wrong is the way the procedure was conducted both on the part of the Department of Public Service and Invenergy.”

Horseshoe Solar says it hopes to start construction this year and have it operational sometime in 2025.

The director of the state’s office of renewable energy siting has said “The approval of horseshoe solar is a big win for New Yorkers, continuing our accelerated path to a zero-emission grid by 2040.”