Watch CBS News

Six Flags Great Adventure To Cut 18,000 Trees To Go Solar

JACKSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Six Flags Great Adventure is going solar.

The theme park plans to cut down more than 18,000 trees for the construction of what it says will be the largest solar farm in New Jersey.

The facility will generate 21.9 megawatts, or enough to power about 3,100 homes, and capable of meeting all of the park's needs, Six Flags said. It will provide 98 percent of the park's energy, CBS2 reported.

The facility will be located on a 134-acre site east of the safari park in Jackson and is expected to be operational during the second half of 2016.

Park President John Fitzgerald said in a statement that solar power will significantly reduce the park's reliance on fossil fuels.

Six Flags spokeswoman Kristin Siebeneicher told the Asbury Park Press the park and KDC Solar have pledged to replant 25,000 trees over a period of seven years.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.