NYS CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES BRONZE-LEVEL CERTIFICATION: Ulster County has been designated New York State’s ninth “Climate Smart Community.” On September 17, 2016, the County was presented with a bronze-level certification (as of 2016, only two other communities in NY have achieved bronze-level certification). Climate Smart Communities is a network of municipalities and communities taking action to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and improving climate resilience. The Climate Smart Communities program is sponsored by New York State agencies: Department of Environmental Conservation, Energy Research and Development Authority, Public Service Commission, Department of State, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health. The Ulster County Legislature adopted a Climate Smart Community pledge in 2011: http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/184-11.pdf. To learn more about Climate Smart Communities (CSC), visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website: www.dec.ny.gov/energy/50845.html.
NYSERDA CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES: Ulster County is the first community in the State of New York to be designated a Clean Energy Community byThe New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing the County’s “leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy in its communities.” This initiative, launched by Governor Cuomo in 2016, allots $16 million in funds to support local government leaders across the State implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities, advancing the State’s Reforming the Energy (REV) strategy to reach the State’s Clean Energy Standard mandate which requires 50 percent of the state's electricity to come from renewable energy resources by 2030. The designation gives Ulster County an opportunity to apply for up to $250,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share. Read NYSERDA’s announcement here: www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2016-Announcements/2016-11-15-Ulster-County-is-First-in-NYS-to-Earn-Clean-Energy-Community-Designation. For more information on Clean Energy Communities, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec.
US EPA GREEN POWER PARTNER: Ulster County received the 2015 Green Power Leadership Award for its commitment to green power use (only eleven organizations nationwide received this award in 2015) and was ranked 23rd on the EPA’s Top 30 Local Government list for green power use. The EPA also recognized Ulster County as the only county in New York State to obtain 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.
US EPA 2016 GREEN POWER LEADERSHIP CLUB (GPLC) : Ulster County is a member of the elite Green Power Leadership Club; a designation earned by Green Power Partners who use a minimum of 100% renewable energy. To learn more about the USA EPA’s Green Power Partnership and the GPLC, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower.
US DOE WORKPLACE CHARGING PARTNERSHIP: Ulster County joined the United States Department of Energy Workplace Charging Challenge in 2015. Approximately 97% of Ulster County government employees have access to electric vehicle charging stations at their workplace. Click here to see Ulster County's Workplace Partner profile on the US EPA's website: www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging-challenge-partner-ulster-county.
