Ulster County expands climate action efforts with new task force
KINGSTON- Ulster County is taking its next steps to address climate change, announcing a new executive order that strengthens coordination across county government and expands support for local municipalities working to reduce emissions and prepare for climate impacts.
County Executive Jen Metzger signed the order this week, building on a previous directive issued three years ago that aligned county operations with New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The new order establishes two bodies designed to guide climate planning, resilience efforts, and emissions reductions throughout the county.
The first is a Climate Smart Community Task Force, made up of county departments and partner organizations. The task force will coordinate climate mitigation and resiliency initiatives, oversee the renewal of Ulster County’s Silver-level certification as a New York State Climate Smart Community, and help identify and prioritize climate-smart projects. It will also engage residents and stakeholders as the county develops its forthcoming Community Climate Action Plan.
A second initiative, the Local Government Climate Action Partnership, will be formed as a subcommittee of the Ulster County Environmental Management Council. The partnership will focus on sharing best practices among municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing climate conditions. The Ulster County Department of the Environment will provide administrative support, and the county has contracted with the Hudson Valley Regional Council to offer technical assistance to towns and villages participating in the effort.
County officials say the goal is to ensure climate considerations are integrated into everyday decision-making, from infrastructure planning to energy use, while giving local governments the tools they need to take action.
“These efforts are about protecting our communities, our public health, and our local economy,” Metzger said. “Climate solutions don’t just reduce emissions — they can lower energy costs, improve air quality, and help our communities better withstand extreme weather.”
Ulster County has already made progress through energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy initiatives, and land-use planning focused on resilience. The new executive order is intended to build on that work by creating clearer coordination and expanding collaboration with municipalities and regional partners.
County leaders emphasized that local action remains essential as communities face increasing climate-related challenges, including more frequent severe storms, flooding, and heat events. They also pointed to recent rollbacks at the federal level for green energy funding and policy changes they say rolls back the fight against climate change.
“We know what’s at stake for our residents and future generations,” Metzger said. “Ulster County will continue to lead by example and move this work forward.”