The Business Council of Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition Supports Briarcliff Solar Project

The Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) has formally expressed its support for the proposed Briarcliff Solar project, citing the development’s potential to improve energy affordability, strengthen grid reliability, enhance environmental sustainability, and help meet Westchester County’s growing energy needs.

In a letter submitted to the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees, the BCW outlined the importance of expanding local clean energy generation and encouraged village officials to approve the project. The organization emphasized that the proposal aligns closely with the mission of its Clean Energy Action Coalition, which was established in 2024 to accelerate clean energy adoption and infrastructure development throughout Westchester County.

Today, the BCW’s CEAC includes more than 130 representatives from across the energy, development, construction, planning, engineering, finance, government, and nonprofit sectors. The coalition was created to bring together diverse stakeholders to support the construction of dependable, resilient, safe, and affordable energy infrastructure while advancing Westchester’s clean energy future.

According to the CEAC, Westchester County consumes more than 5.44 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, yet only a small portion of that energy is currently generated through solar power. At the same time, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has warned of growing capacity shortages and increasing strain on the state’s electric grid. The BCW’s CEAC believes projects such as Briarcliff Solar are critical to expanding local power generation, reducing reliance on outside energy sources, and helping improve long-term energy reliability and affordability.

The proposed project would transform the long-vacant Phillips office property into a community solar facility while restoring the site with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly wildflower meadows. The project also calls for the removal of more than 1,500 dead and invasive trees and the replanting of native species that will help preserve wildlife habitat and improve environmental conditions on the property.

The CEAC noted that Briarcliff Solar would provide direct benefits to local residents and businesses through community solar subscriptions that can help reduce utility costs while supporting cleaner energy production. Additional anticipated benefits include improved grid resiliency, economic growth, job creation, increased tax revenues, and support for local educational initiatives.

As Westchester continues to navigate increasing energy demands and evolving energy policies, the BCW’s CEAC remains committed to supporting projects that strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The coalition has urged Briarcliff Manor officials to move forward with the project, describing it as an important opportunity to increase local energy production, enhance reliability, and deliver long-term benefits to residents, businesses, and the broader Westchester community.