A voice of resident Linda Granata summed up a lot of what was heard at last week’s Pomfret Town Board meeting in regard to a solar project by RIC Energy in the area of Van Buren Road and Bernett Drive: “I can’t believe with all the empty fields in Fredonia, you chose that area. It doesn’t make sense.”

But no matter how many residents protest, it appears renewable energy projects have been given almost free reign to go wherever they can find land. That edict comes from Albany, which has hopes of having all New York state energy green by 2040. It’s a lofty goal that is becoming more evident around our landscapes.

There are turbines in Arkwright, Cherry Creek and Charlotte. Solar farms are located throughout the county — with some residents adding them to their roofs.

Pomfret has a tough task ahead. If it says “no” to the plan, does it have the final say?

In 2020, New York state began the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. This puts decisions on large-scale solar and wind projects at the discretion of New York state.

That developer, no matter what local decision, may be here to stay.