Climate Solutions

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has made climate solutions a central focus of her administration through executive orders, comprehensive plans, and strategic investments. Her administration is working toward significant greenhouse gas reduction targets, with an emphasis on equitable solutions for the entire County.

EO1: Trail Blazing a Path for the Planet

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger issued Executive Order 1 in her first 30 days in office in January 2023 to strengthen and accelerate the County government’s climate mitigation efforts.

Community Climate Action Plan

The County is currently developing a Countywide Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to guide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change impacts, aligning with state goals of 40% reduction by 2030 and 85% by 2050.

Waste Reduction

Ulster County government is committed to reducing waste production, reusing and recycling materials, and following green procurement policies when new materials are purchased. The County also promotes paperless workflows where possible, composting in select facilities, and responsible disposal practices to minimize environmental impact across operations.

Clean Transportation

The County's Sustainable Green Fleet Policy provides overall goals and strategies to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Ulster County fleet. As part of this effort, Ulster County is expanding public EV charging infrastructure and participating in New York State’s SEVI program to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Climate Corps Internship Program

The Ulster County Climate Corps is a paid, project-based ten-week summer internship program. Participants will be assigned to County departments to help implement the County’s climate and sustainability initiatives and meet the goals of the NYS Climate Act.

News & Updates

CE Metzger Invited to Testify at Roundtable on NY's Climate Targets

Published on October 17, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger was asked to provide testimony and participate in a virtual roundtable on Monday convened by New York State Senators Liz Krueger and Pete Harckham, the Chairs of the Senate Finance and Environmental Conservation Committees, respectively, to discuss steps that need to be taken to meet the emissions reduction targets of the NYS Climate Leadership and Community Pr

Metzger Calls US EPA’s Proposed Repeal of Endangerment 'Reckless'

Published on August 22, 2025

County Executive Jen Metzger appeared before a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) panel in a virtual public hearing this morning to oppose EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's plan to repeal a bedrock scientific finding that gives the agency authority to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fight climate change.

New Paltz Resilient Emergency Communications Center Groundbreaking

Published on May 28, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, alongside elected officials, emergency personnel, and community leaders, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Ulster County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) today, a state-of-the-art facility to strengthen coordinated emergency response capabilities and improve the climate resilience of the County’s emergency management system.

Metzger Announces that Ulster County Surpassed 2025 Green Fleet Target

Published on March 14, 2025

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has released the 2024 Green Fleet Annual Report, which found that the County met and exceeded its target of 20% green vehicles by 2025, reaching 22% of the County’s 472 light-duty vehicles (a total of 104 green vehicles) in 2024.

Metzger Unveils New Off-the-Grid EV Charger for Climate Solutions Week

Published on September 24, 2024

In celebration of Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week (September 13 - 29), Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today unveiled the County's EV ARC™ vehicle charging station, an innovative charging facility that is entirely off the grid, powered by solar and equipped with battery storage.

Ulster County Launches Solar & EV Infrastructure Grant Program

Published on July 08, 2024

The Ulster County government has launched the Solar & Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (SEVI) program, which commits $2.5 million of the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds to support clean energy investments by local governments that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.

Ulster County Opens Application Process for Paid Summer Climate Corps

Published on March 21, 2024

The Ulster County Climate Corps, an innovative paid summer internship program spearheaded by County Executive Jen Metzger, has returned for its second year to advance climate initiatives across County departments.

Ulster County Leads in Green Procurement, Join Communities Program

Published on November 16, 2023

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is proud to announce that Ulster County has joined the New York State (NYS) Green Purchasing Communities Program (GPC) as one of seven local governments in the state to join this initiative.

Jen Metzger Signs Law Strengthening Sustainable Green Fleet Policy

Published on August 11, 2023

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has taken a significant step in advancing the County's commitment to combat climate change by signing into law major changes to the County's vehicle purchasing policy that commits the County to accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions fleet.

Climate Corps Internship Program Now Accepting Applications

Published on April 27, 2023

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has announced a new Ulster County Climate Corps internship program to give young people hands-on experience developing climate policies and programs.

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