Country music artist John Rich, a longtime advocate for family farms, has taken his criticism of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s renewable‑energy permitting process to the airwaves. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Rich explained that his new song “Dear Kathy” was written to give a voice to upstate New York landowners who feel their property rights are being trampled by large‑scale solar and wind projects.
Farmers say state agency sidesteps local control
Rich joined a group of farmers, activists, and local officials who have challenged the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). Created in 2020 under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, ORES reviews and permits projects that generate 25 megawatts or more. Critics argue the agency can waive local zoning rules it deems “unreasonably burdensome,” effectively allowing developers to place solar panels and turbines on prime agricultural land without meaningful community input.
“Why do you hate these people so much?” Rich asked in his song, echoing the frustration of families who have tended their land for generations. He noted that ORES has redefined what counts as “prime farmland,” making it easier for developers to build on soil that was once protected.
Scale of the proposed projects
According to Rich, the cumulative footprint of the proposed solar installations exceeds 100 square miles – an area that could otherwise support food production for thousands of families. He described the situation as a “complete and total chokeout” of the farming community, warning that the loss of agricultural land threatens the heritage of families who have owned their farms since before the Revolutionary War.
Governor Hochul’s response
When asked for comment, Hochul’s office pushed back, emphasizing that the renewable‑energy agenda is intended to keep New York’s power grid reliable and to provide new revenue streams for farmers who lease land for solar projects. Senior energy adviser Ken Lovett also suggested that if Rich truly wanted to help farmers, he could ask President Trump to lift tariffs, end the war in Iran, and rein in ICE raids – policies the administration says are hurting farmers nationwide.
Local meetings and community reaction
Rich traveled to upstate New York, holding town‑hall meetings on farms that drew hundreds of attendees, including Amish families. He described the gatherings as “like something out of a movie,” noting the palpable sense of frustration among landowners who feel their voices are being ignored.
“Owning land is an American thing,” Rich said, adding that the issue transcends party lines. He observed that many of the farmers he met identified as Democrats, but the core concern is protecting family farms and private property rights.
What’s at stake for New Yorkers
The debate highlights a broader tension between state‑level renewable‑energy goals and local control over land use. Supporters argue that clean‑energy projects are essential for combating climate change and can provide steady income for farmers. Opponents, however, worry that the loss of fertile soil and the erosion of home‑rule undermine the very communities that have built the state’s agricultural legacy.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, the controversy is likely to become a focal point for voters who prioritize family farms, property rights, and local decision‑making. Whether Rich’s song will sway public opinion remains to be seen, but it has certainly amplified the concerns of upstate New Yorkers who feel their way of life is under threat.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
