UlsterCounty Government Energy Policy & Implementation Guidebook
The Ulster County Legislature unanimously adopted the Ulster County Government Energy Policy in December of 2008. The Energy Policy and its detailed “Implementation Guidebook” provide the framework necessary to institute cost-effective, energy efficient technologies and practices across all county government operationsand promote an energy conscious culture that encourages prudent decisions with regard to energy consumption. A key component of this policy is the utilization of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) to achieve best practice energy efficiency and conservation measures in all county government buildings and facilities.
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NYSERDA - Economic Recovery Information: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The purpose of the “Recovery Act” is to create and save jobs, jumpstart our economy, and build the foundation for long-term economic growth. The Act includes measures to enhance America's energy independence by reducing total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, along with substantial improvements in overall energy efficiency.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing information to help New Yorkers take advantage of the federal funded energy efficiency and conservationopportunities offered by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Climate Protection Resources
In recent years it has become increasingly apparent that an ongoing change of the global climate is now occurring. Resulting as a by-product of increased world-wide, industrial, commercial, and human activity, this change is coupled with the unprecedented rapid increase in carbon-based energy consumption. Atmospheric science is steadily confirming that climate change in a real-time phenomenon with far ranging implications to food production, flood protection, and disease control.
It is also increasing understood that taking appropriate steps to plan for and adapt to climate change is a critical responsibility
that must be positively addressed at all levelsof society if we are to avoid the worst of consequences.
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is an international membership association of local governments dedicated to climate protection and sustainable development. More than 500 local governments in the U.S. are members of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA.
In the Fall of 2007, EPA offered a series of webcasts to aid local, regional, and state governments in creating greenhouse gas inventories. Recordings of all three installments of the Webcast Training Series: Greenhouse Gas Inventory 101 for Local, Regional, and State Governments are available here.
The Climate Smart Communities program is a partnership of state and local governments. State agencies collaborating to the program include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York State Department of State and the New York State Public Service Commission. As of May 2009, thirty-nine New York communities have pledged to make their municipal operations and their communities Climate Smart.
General Environmental Resources
Energy Links -
New YorkState Energy Research and Development Authority
NYSERDA strives to facilitate change through the widespread development and use of innovative technologies to improve the State’s energy, economic, and environmental wellbeing.
FAQs - Solar Energy Installers; Customers; Schools.
Solar Electric Incentive Program
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (New York)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / U.S. Dept. of Energy - “Energy Star” Program
Save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Energy Star - Building Upgrade Manual
Energy Star - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
U.S. Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)
Overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; promoting America’s energy security through reliable, clean, and affordable energy.
U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Information Administration
The “Official Energy Statistics” from the U.S. Government.
U.S.GreenBuilding Council
A 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
Wind Power
The mission of Community Energy, Inc. is to supply the demand for fuel-free energy through the construction of new wind farms, renewable energy sales, and increase the availability of wind generated electricity.
Fuel Efficient Vehicles
- U.S. Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Green Vehicle Guide
- Clean Air Conservancy - Vehicle CO2 Emissions
- The Daily Green - The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2008 Vehicles
“Green”, “Eco-Friendly”, “Environmentally Responsible” Resources
Environmental Education Links -
AshokanCenter
CatskillCenter for Conservation & Development
Clearwater - Esopus Meadows Environmental Center
Clearwater - Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
ForsythNatureCenter
Hudson River Maritime Museum
MinnewaskaState Park Preserve
Stony Kill Farm Environmental EducationCenter