BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Legislators on the Operations Committee approved a resolution that will encourage solar energy developers to purchase American made equipment for facilities.

The resolution, which was brought forth by Legislator Larry Denesha, could have far reaching effects, with a large number of solar projects popping up around the county.

Most recently, a new 240 megawatt project in the Canton area began progressing through the approval process, with others planned in and around Massena, Brasher and Norfolk as well.

Legislator Kevin Acres, who was an outspoken critic against a recent “Buy American” law passed by the New York Assembly that would require municipalities to purchase only American mined salt, initially took exception to the resolution before finally offering support because it was not a mandate for companies looking to establish solar projects in the county.

“The way that I read this resolution is we are encouraging developers to purchase American made equipment for solar energy facilities. Energy facilities are constructed in NYS, not necessarily made in New York State,” Legislator Harry Smithers said.

It was at that point that Acres also said that was how he read the resolution and would offer his support for its passing.

Legislator Tony Arquiett also spoke on the resolution, offering a suggestion about handling a potential conflict due to rising costs, if such conflicts arise.

“I would suggest that if we pass this resolution and then at some point and time we realize that circumstances existed, like they did in Ogdensburg, then we would address them at that time,” Arquiett said.

Legislators largely expect similar issues when purchasing road salt if Governor Hochul does in fact sign the “Buy American” salt bill.

If passed, the “Buy American” salt bill will exponentially drive up salt costs, according to legislators.

Jobs could also be lost at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority due to the measure, which would outlaw the import of road salt for local municipalities.

According to the OBPA, nearly 75% of all road salt used in the county is imported from Canada, which has been a significant savings for local municipalities in the past.

The resolution passed by the Operations Committee is now set to be presented to the full Board of Legislators for final approval next month.