File photo Solar farms are growing at a rapid pace across Chautauqua County — and on some prime farmland.

Across the border, Chautauqua County legislators decided to take a bold stance in late January. In voting at the monthly meeting to oppose the placement of wind turbines in Lake Erie, members in attendance were unanimous in their sentiment.

State Sen. George Borrello was in Mayville that evening for what he considered a historic action. “I’m truly proud to be an alumnus of this organization and very proud that we are going to stand up and say what’s best for the people of Chautauqua County, and the people, not just of New York state, but for everyone in every state in every county that surrounds the Great Lakes,” he said.

So now that the county has put forth its sentiments about the waters, what is it doing in regard to our lands? Solar projects have become all-too-common on acreage that was once prime property for agriculture and grape growing. In the north county, wind farms have become prominent in the towns of Hanover, Villenova, Arkwright, Stockton and Charlotte.

Numerous other renewable proposals that include payment in lieu of taxes incentives are in front of Town Boards across the region this month while others have been passed in recent years. What is so hypocritical is the overwhelming sentiment of this red county.

Warren County is no different — and officials here need to consider what could happen to the landscape if solar and wind projects begin appearing in different corners. A policy from county leaders is better than relying on the elected officials in townships and boroughs to decide.

Last summer, county Zoning Officer Michael Lyon told the planners there have been discussions about a wind energy project that would include Sugar Grove, Freehold and Columbus townships. He cited a study that previously indicated that Warren County would not have the sustained winds to support this type of development.

But Lyon said he’s since learned that the “technology has changed. The technology for windmills has changed. (They) can make them higher now and can catch the wind from Lake Erie.”

No matter how you look at it, renewables are highly subsidized. Lyon, at that time, said he’s reviewing four or five ordinances from other counties in assembling proposed regulations for Warren County, which would dictate the regulations.

In the Warren County Comprehensive Plan, which was updated last June, it notes: “The county should review its zoning ordinance to ensure that alternative energy options, such as solar and wind are addressed. The county … amended their Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include provisions for solar so this should be consistent with anything developed for zoning.”

Across the border, there really is no guidance except that New York state wants to be achieving 70% renewably sourced electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission electric grid by 2040.

Though Chautauqua County’s current Economic Development Strategy notes a need to contribute to the fiscal sustainability of the county — either in terms of tax revenue generated as a result of economic growth, program income, and dedicated funding streams; and/ or in a decreased need for public spending, particularly on social services — there are no guidelines regarding how to move forward with renewable energy projects. It is almost as if the Republican leadership knows it disagrees with the concept, but is allowing the door to stay open to any future proposals to give some sort of appearance of economic progress.

This corner firmly believes in a diversified state grid for electricity, that includes the current mix of renewables, nuclear, natural gas and hydropower. Looking at the New York Independent System Operator real-time mix, wind and solar are on the low end of that spectrum — often less than 8%.

That means traditional methods, including fossil fuels, are what’s keeping the state powered. In other words, New York cannot produce those forms of electricity here, but it will import it from Pennsylvania or Ohio.

That leaves New York in a vulnerable position. With all its recent investment in renewables — just take a look at the projects on Route 60 and off Interstate 90 — what happens if there is a real energy emergency? Neighboring states won’t be so willing to share what is being produced for the grid.

John D’Agostino is editor of the Times Observer, The Post-Journal and OBSERVER in Dunkirk, N.Y. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 814-723-8200, ext. 253.