June 3, 2026 EES

The Ulster County Legislature's Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee met on June 3, 2026, to discuss various environmental initiatives and procurement-related matters. Key procurement discussions included the presentation by Key Capture Energy regarding a proposed 94-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) at Paradise Lane in the Town of New Paltz. The committee reviewed the project's site layout, safety measures, and economic benefits, including potential local job creation during construction and tax incentives due to the brownfield status of the site. Following the presentation, the committee passed resolutions to act as lead agency under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and authorized the chair to execute an easement with Key Capture Energy for the BESS construction. Additionally, the committee discussed and postponed a local law concerning the rights of nature and clean water protections, highlighting concerns about liability and jurisdiction. The committee also approved a pilot program allocating $100,000 to support local food access and community resilience through community centers, with oversight involving Cornell Cooperative Extension. Updates on the county's hazardous waste events, compost availability, and air quality monitoring network were provided, along with a federal farm bill update emphasizing pesticide regulation and funding impacts. The meeting concluded with approval of appointments to environmental committees and ongoing zero waste policy development.