July 1, 2026 Energy, Environment and Sustainability

The Ulster County Legislature's Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee met on July 1, 2026, to discuss several environmental policy resolutions and updates on county sustainability initiatives. Key procurement-related discussions included the review of local environmental laws and resolutions, such as Local Law Number One and Resolution 178, which address rights of nature and environmental stewardship policies. The committee debated the legal and practical implications of these laws, with concerns raised about potential liabilities and duplication of existing state laws. The committee also received a detailed update from the Department of Environment on Local Law Number Four regarding pesticide use restrictions on county lands, including the waiver process for exceptions and recent denials of waiver requests, notably from the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Additionally, the committee discussed efforts to amend a 2019 resolution on pollinator-friendly practices to include native trees and shrubs, emphasizing sustainable purchasing policies and native plantings in county projects. The committee was briefed on the zero waste policy stakeholder survey, funded with $1,900, aimed at gathering public input to finalize county waste management guidelines. No direct contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but ongoing procurement considerations were noted in sustainable purchasing and environmental project planning. The meeting concluded with updates on compost availability, hazardous waste events, and upcoming decisions on energy projects, highlighting the county's commitment to integrating sustainability into procurement and operations.