Improving County Vehicle Fuel Efficiency And Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Kingston, NY- Today, Ulster County continues its commitment to protecting the environment as County Executive Hein signed a local law establishing a Sustainable Green Fleet policy for the County’s vehicles.  The new policy requires the County to purchase or lease energy efficient and cost effective vehicles to meet the operational needs of the County.  The County’s Fleet Manager will work in consultation with the Coordinator of the Department of the Environment to develop an inventory and assessment of fleet vehicles.  The law also requires the County to purchase green vehicles that utilize sustainable alternative fuel technology.

“The County’s Fleet is absolutely critical to providing the services that Ulster County residents depend on,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “County services like road plowing and maintenance, UCAT bus service, the Sheriff’s road patrol, social services visits of the elderly and transport of veterans’ to medical appointments all depend on the operation of our fleet vehicles. We continuously examine and implement ways to provide these services in the most cost effective and environmentally responsible way. We applaud the Legislature for formalizing our fleet efficiency efforts and look forward to continuing to improve our operation.”

Kenneth Ronk, Ulster County Legislator and Minority Leader, Deputy Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee

“Today’s signing of the Green Fleet Policy completes a long journey of hard work, dialogue and partnership experienced across the Legislative aisle,” stated Minority Leader and Resolution Co-Sponsor Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr.  “I look forward to continuing the partnership with County Executive Hein as we monitor the policy for any changes or modifications.”

Amanda LaValle, Coordinator of Ulster County Department of the Environment

“The operation of the County’s fleet is necessary to County government but it also consumes a considerable amount of fuel as well as contributing to our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Amanda LaValle, Coordinator of Ulster County Department of the Environment.  “Sustainable alternative fuel technology as well as more efficient vehicles are a logical way for us to reduce the environmental impact of our operations while saving taxpayer dollars on fuel. This year we have moved all UCAT buses to biodiesel and are in the process of purchasing plug-in hybrid sedans. These are great examples of the types of sustainable technologies the Green Fleet Policy contemplates.”

Ulster County received the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2015 Achievement Award for the “County Footprint Reduction Program” which was designed to reduce Ulster County’s carbon footprint, achieve carbon neutrality in a fiscally responsible way, and serve as a model and guide for other local governments to follow in the pursuit of carbon neutrality all while achieving taxpayer and operational cost savings. Ulster County is the only carbon neutral County government in New York State.

In 2015, the County transitioned all UCAT buses to biodiesel and is currently in the process of procuring four plug-in hybrid sedans which are capable of running on all electric, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions. These initiatives will result in a reduction of approximately 92.7 metric tons of CO2e over a year which is the equivalent 220,714 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. In addition, the County also recently installed a network of nine electric vehicle charging stations which can be used by fleet vehicles as well as the public further promoting sustainable transportation in Ulster County.

Pictured below from Left:  Tracey A. Bartels, Ulster County Legislator; Ulster County Executive Mike Hein; Amanda LaValle, Coordinator of the Ulster  County Department of the Environment; and Kim Millian, Deputy Commissioner of Fleet Management