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Ulster County Department of Environment outlines Climate Smart strategy and new Local Government Climate Action Partnership

Ulster County Legislature, Committee on Energy, Environment and Sustainability ยท March 5, 2026

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Summary

County Environment Director Andy Bickering reviewed recent climate metrics for Ulster County, described the department's support for municipal Climate Smart Communities participation, and outlined a new Local Government Climate Action Partnership created under Executive Order 3 of 2026 to coordinate county and municipal climate planning and capacity-building.

Andy Bickering of the Ulster County Department of Environment briefed the committee on county climate work, including the county's greenhouse gas inventory, Climate Smart Communities participation and a new Local Government Climate Action Partnership created under Executive Order 3 of 2026.

Bickering summarized the county's 2023 greenhouse gas inventory at roughly 1,600,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent, with transportation and buildings as the largest contributors. He highlighted that 58% of municipalities participate in the county's Environmental Management Council efforts as of 2026 and that 75% of communities are engaged at some level with the Climate Smart Communities program.

The department's approach centers on climate planning, municipal participation, targeted policy analysis and pilot projects funded through the county budget. Bickering described programs and partnerships such as Better Homes for All, municipal energy technical assistance with the Hudson Valley Regional Council, pilot initiatives and a Community and Climate Action Plan expected to be completed later in 2026.

He outlined the new Local Government Climate Action Partnership'a subcommittee of the Environmental Management Council envisioned to convene municipal Climate Smart Task Force representatives and community partners, provide targeted assistance, and recommend new EMC membership via legislative resolution. The committee discussed outreach to municipalities not currently participating, technical support, and the role of at-large appointees.

Why it matters: Bickering said local actions account for the bulk of county greenhouse gas emissions and that the county's role is to coordinate, educate and pilot programs where the county has limited permitting authority but can provide technical and funding support.

Next steps: The department will run a spring survey of municipal Climate Smart Committees and Task Forces, recommend subcommittee members via resolution this summer, and bring the completed Community and Climate Action Plan to the committee later in 2026.