KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County has been recertified as a Silver-Level Climate Smart Community, renewing its statewide recognition for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand clean energy and prepare for the effects of climate change.
County Executive Jen Metzger announced the recertification, which is awarded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Smart Communities program.
Ulster County was the first county in New York to achieve Silver certification, the program’s highest level of recognition. The county’s latest certification is valid through 2031.
Metzger said investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and vehicle electrification are producing both environmental and financial benefits.
She said the county is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in operating costs through investments in solar power, building improvements and the electrification of buses and county vehicles.
Metzger also credited the county’s Department of Environment and its Climate Smart Communities Task Force for helping secure the recertification.
The county’s 2026 certification effort documented a range of initiatives, including solar installations at Ulster County Area Transit and the County Hall of Records, expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-efficiency upgrades at the Restorative Justice Center and Probation Building.
Other recognized projects include a food scraps diversion and composting program for county buildings, a natural resources inventory completed in 2023, and a road-stream crossing assessment and culvert improvement project on Wittenberg Road in Woodstock.
Andy Bicking, director of the Ulster County Department of Environment and chair of the Climate Smart Communities Task Force, said the recertification reflects sustained cooperation across county government.
He said the program provides a framework for reducing emissions, improving efficiency and preparing for changing climate conditions.
The county established its Climate Smart Communities Task Force in February 2026 through an executive order from Metzger. The group coordinates climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, supports certification and helps guide development of a forthcoming Community Climate Action Plan.
Several other Ulster County municipalities are also participating in the state program. The City of Kingston holds Silver certification, while the towns of Hurley, Marbletown, New Paltz, Olive, Rosendale, Saugerties, Wawarsing and Woodstock have Bronze certification.
The towns of Esopus, Lloyd, Marlborough and Shawangunk are registered participants.
Statewide, 198 communities have achieved Climate Smart Communities certification. The program, established in 2009, recognizes local governments for planning and implementing projects that address climate change and strengthen community resilience.
Ulster County officials say priorities for the next certification period include completing the Community Climate Action Plan, expanding solar energy and electric vehicle charging, and continuing climate adaptation projects. The county also plans to complete a new Emergency Services Center in New Paltz.