Metzger launches initiative to develop climate action plan for Ulster County – Daily Freeman

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and public officials participate in a press conference to announce the completion of the Rondout Creek Bridge renovation project on Tuesday, July 3, 2024. (Dwayne Kroohs/Daily Freeman)

KINGSTON, NY – Ulster County is working to develop a statewide climate action plan, according to Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger.

In a press release, Metzger said development of the Ulster County climate action plan will take place over the summer and fall.

Metzger said the plan should be completed by the end of this year.

A climate action plan is a strategy document that lists climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions and describes in detail what measures can be taken to reduce emissions, an announcement said.

“The results of a community survey, focus groups and community forums this summer will determine the prioritization of impactful programs and investments,” the press release said.

Members of the public can get involved in this project, share ideas online and complete the public survey via an interactive Participate Ulster page available at bit.ly/UCclimateplan.

A public presentation of the action plan will be held on Wednesday, July 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom; pre-registration is required. Participants in the public webinar, which includes an interactive poll session, will learn more about the purpose of the Community Climate Action Plan, the current status of the project and next steps, an announcement said. To register for the webinar, visit bit.ly/4bxs8lM.

“Many of the climate change solutions also have other benefits for our communities, such as improved public health, lower energy costs and improved access to public transportation, to name a few. We want to hear from our citizens about what climate solutions they believe county government should prioritize,” Metzger said in a statement. “This is a community-driven plan and I invite our citizens to get involved by attending public meetings, completing the Climate Action Plan survey and sharing their ideas with us.”

The plan was funded in part by the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.