Jeff Rusack reports for WKBW that the giant Hecate Energy solar farm proposed recently near State Route 23 and County Route 7 in Craryville may have an easier time getting approval if Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2020 state budget is passed. On Feb. 21 Cuomo's office amended his proposed 2020 budget to include a renewable energy permit office. The Craryville proposal is already avoiding much local scrutiny and approval under the Article 10 process designed to streamline a decision for large scale projects. This budget proposal from Cuomo would allow even more state control with the would-be Office of Renewable Energy Permitting, and likely lead to a faster approval of the 60-megawatt photovoltaic solar array proposed for some portion of 900-acres in Craryville that company officials claim will power 60 percent of Columbia County’s 25,000 households. Cuomo is trying to get 70 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. State officials say there will not be a total loss of control with the budget proposal. “Municipalities will have an opportunity to advise the Office on compliance with local laws and the Permitting Office will consider and may apply local laws in light of the State's clean energy and environmental goals under the CLCPA,” a press release from Cuomo's office read. Read more about this story at the WKBW website.