Ulster County earns EPA recognition for green power use

County Executive Mike Hein with environmental leaders at the former RRA landfill site in the Town of Ulster where the proposed 3.341 kWh solar project would be located. (Photo: EPA)
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County Executive Mike Hein with environmental leaders at the former RRA landfill site in the Town of Ulster where the proposed 3.341 kWh solar project would be located.

Ulster County has earned recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for ranking 23rd in the nation for its use of green power. It’s the first county in New York State to be net carbon neutral, and currently purchases 139 percent, or 19 million kilowatt-hours, of green electricity from sustainable sources annually.

“For most county governments, electricity use is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions,” says Judith A. Enck, Administrator of EPA’s Region 2 Office. “By using clean, renewable power, the municipal government of Ulster County, New York is reducing its environmental impacts and helping to grow the market for cleaner, renewable resources.”

Ulster has also led the way in protecting New York’s environment by banning polystyrene food containers, prohibiting the use of fracking fluid, taking a stand on the dangers of crude oil transport by rail, protecting public water supplies from privatization – and other efforts. Kudos!