The Ulster County LegislatureAfter several weeks of discussion and negotiation, Ulster County [1] 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 [2], 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 [3], 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.