The New York State Association of Counties this week announced that Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan has been selected as the new chair of the NYSAC Climate Resiliency Committee. 

 

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time and counties have incredible potential to lead meaningful change in our communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harden our resiliency against the effects of a changing climate,” said Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan. “I'm incredibly proud to be chosen by my colleagues to lead this committee, and I look forward to working with county leaders from across the state and our state partners to develop local solutions to this global challenge.” 

 

County Executive Ryan replaces Tompkins County Legislator Martha Robertson, who is retiring from county government after 20 years of service.  

 

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as the chair of the Climate Resiliency Committee for the last year,' said Tompkins County Legislator Martha Robertson. “Through this committee we've been able to make a meaningful impact on state climate policy and ensure that the voice of local government is heard and incorporated.” 

 

The NYSAC Climate Resiliency Committee was created in June of 2018 to help?counties across the state?work cooperatively on climate change?in order?to?identify needs and influence state policies, programs, or enabling legislation. Its?membership has grown from 13?members?to 27 members who come from all?regions of the state and work in diverse?areas of?county?and?state government, including emergency services, public health, environmental health, solid waste,?and?elected office. 

 

In addition to a meeting of the Climate Resiliency Committee, this year's NYAC Fall Seminar featured workshops on vehicle electrification, transforming New York's recycling programs, green energy siting, an update on the NYS Climate Act, and a presentation about what NASA is learning about our climate from their work in space.  

 

The plenary, titled Understanding Our Environment: Studying Earth from Space focused on how atmospheric conditions, global temperatures and other data from space is being studied by NASA to increase our understanding the impact of climate change and how local leaders can use this data to prepare and adapt. 

 

“All around us we're seeing the effects of a changing planet, and those effects have consequences for local governments,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Whether we are responding to sever weather emergencies, administering recycling programs, improving energy efficiency in county buildings or electrifying county vehicle fleets, counties are on the front lines of the fight against climate change and need to have the latest information and best practices at their fingertips and we're committed to providing that.” 

 

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne | MLavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206