Kingston, N.Y. – After consultation and agreement with the leadership of the Ulster County Legislature, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has directed the County Attorney to commence litigation against major pharmaceutical companies due to their deceptive and aggressive marketing, and other actions that have fueled the national opioid crisis and affected Ulster County’s residents.

“On the heels of the President’s ill-advised and reckless decision to remove the United States from the landmark Paris climate change accord, an agreement that includes every other country on earth except Nicaragua and Syria, we must now further enhance our local environmental efforts that are already at the forefront of our state.  In many ways Ulster County is viewed as the environmental conscience of New York State: whether it is our early and strong opposition to fracking; extensive commitment to alternative fuel vehicles; becoming the