Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has signed an Executive Order establishing two groups to develop steps for the county to take for dealing with climate change. It’s her second Executive Order dealing with climate change. She signed the first one in 2023. The new groups being formed under the new Executive Order are the Climate Smart Task Force and the Local Government Climate Action Partnership.
The Climate Smart Task Force is to be composed of representatives from county departments and outside organizations. It is charged with coordinating and providing expertise for climate change mitigation efforts in the county.
The second body, the Local Government Climate Action Partnership, will be created by the Ulster County Environmental Management Council as a subcommittee to promote best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The county’s Department of the Environment will provide administrative support to the subcommittee. The county has contracted with the Hudson Valley Regional Council to provide additional technical support to local governments.
Metzger’s office points out that her new Executive Order comes at a time when the federal government has abandoned major climate initiatives and rolled back key environmental protections, eliminating $569 billion in climate and clean energy funding in 2025.
“At a time when the federal government has walked away from national and global efforts to avoid the severe consequences of run-away climate change, Ulster County remains steadfast in its commitment to reduce harmful emissions and build climate resilience in our communities,” Metzger said. “We know what’s at stake for our communities, our economy, and future generations, and we also know that climate solutions have other benefits, like protecting public health and reducing energy bills. Local leadership has never mattered more, and Ulster County will continue to lead by example. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we’re not slowing down.”
Metzger’s office says that as a result of her first Executive Order on climate change, the county has made significant progress toward reducing emissions, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding the use of clean energy. More than 25% of the vehicles in the county’s fleet currently are powered by environmentally friendly fuels. Since 2023, the county has added 21 fully electric vehicles, 31 plug in hybrids, and one hybrid to its rolling stock. The county’s bus system now has five electric buses in service with more hybrid and electric buses due to be added this year. It has deployed 91 electric vehicle charging stations across the county.
The county has made changes to some of its buildings, including eliminating natural gas use at the Probation Building in Kingston, installing rooftop solar at the Hall of Records and completing major LED lighting retrofits.
Ulster County projects annual savings of $384,000 due to energy audits and conservation measures being put in place.
