The Ulster County LegislatureAfter several weeks of discussion and negotiation, Ulster County officials have approved the creation of the Department of the Environment. The new department is part of a larger effort to upgrade the county's environmental protection initiatives and streamline the handling of environmental concerns.

According to the Daily Freeman, the department will begin operations in 2008 and handle concerns like stormwater management, green building initiatives, and minimizing the county's carbon footprint. "By establishing a fully independent Department of the Environment, we will continue to lead in this field, and set a great example for other counties to follow," said Brian Shapiro, the legislature's chairman.

According to County Administrator Michael Hein, the new department will consolidate several offices under one umbrella, which will then lead to increased efficiency and accountability. "This coordination based model is a major leap forward for environmental protection and will also result in a significant savings to taxpayers," he added.