February 4, 2026 Energy, Environment and Sustainability

The Ulster County Legislature's Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee met on February 4, 2026, to discuss various environmental initiatives and procurement activities. Key procurement-related discussions included the awarding of an RFP for alternative solid waste diversion technologies to a company called Global Energy, with an estimated project cost between $100 million and $150 million. This project aims to divert 70% of the county's waste through processes like thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion, producing renewable natural gas and reducing landfill use. The committee also reviewed a 5-year capital project plan involving ten projects focused on waste management and recycling expansion. Additionally, the committee approved contracts including a $75,000 agreement with the Hudson Valley Regional Council to provide technical services for clean and renewable energy project development, and accepted a $150,000 grant from the Hudson River Foundation for a watershed coordinator position. A resolution related to a public safety radio tower project was discussed, emphasizing the importance of timely approval to meet operational deadlines. The meeting also covered policy discussions on zero waste goals, bio-solids management, and local environmental laws, with ongoing efforts to finalize a zero waste implementation plan and explore rights of nature legislation for local rivers.