KINGSTON – With environmental leaders from Ulster County and the region in attendance, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan signed his first Executive Order on Tuesday, establishing ambitious new goals for the County’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change. The goal is adoption of the Ulster County Climate Action Plan. The order represents a first step by Ryan to follow through on a key component of his campaign platform and positions Ulster County to maintain its advantage as a leader in the emerging green economy.
“Climate change poses an existential threat to the residents and communities of Ulster County, and it is essential that we join the fight, at all levels of government, to mitigate its devastating impacts,” said Ryan. “Our environment – from the Hudson River to the Catskill Mountains, from the Shawangunk Ridge to the Wallkill and Rondout Valleys – is central to our way of life in Ulster County, and we have an obligation to protect it for future generations. And in doing so, I’m confident we will continue to lead other counties throughout New York and the nation towards a greener, more sustainable and resilient future.”
The Executive Order includes an aggressive goal to supply 100% of the electricity consumed by the County’s buildings and fleet from locally-generated, renewable sources. In addition to establishing new goals that push Ulster County’s environmental efforts to new levels, the Executive Order sets the stage for several concrete steps to accomplish these goals.
At the signing, Ryan announced a major new County solar project that will double the amount of renewable energy generated by Ulster County, increasing renewable generation from 20% of the County’s use to 40%. The project is planned for a brownfield site in the Town of Saugerties and planning and pre-construction assessments are already underway, with a request for proposals for site development planned for release this summer.
“Ulster County has been recognized by the NYS DEC and the US EPA for its commitment to renewable electricity,” said Amanda LaValle, Director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment.”
Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy, Scenic Hudson, said “I am thrilled to see Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan keep good on his commitment for a Green New Deal for Ulster County. Today’s announcement sets an aggressive agenda for the County to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, backed by real, decisive action to transform a neglected piece of land into a productive community asset.”
