The Ulster County Legislature’s Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee has taken steps toward environmental protection and renewable energy goals that featured urgent calls for state action on landfill leachate and deep discussion on electric grid infrastructure reform.

A report from the county’s Renewable Energy Working Group shed light on obstacles to meeting Ulster County’s goal of producing 70 percent of its electricity from local renewable sources by 2030.

Tom Conrad, speaking on behalf of the group, said the current electric grid could realistically only handle about 30 percent renewable power without major upgrades.

He pointed to what he said was Central Hudson’s reluctance to invest in grid improvements unless mandated by the Public Service Commission. “They interpret their mandate as meeting expected demand only, which blocks the expansion of solar and other renewables,” Conrad said.

He recommended pushing for state-level support of flexible grid technologies and pilot projects like the one underway in New Paltz, which aims to interconnect multiple solar sites.

Committee members approved a slate of resolutions ahead of the legislature’s April 15 session, including one urging the State Department of Environmental Conservation to begin rulemaking to regulate on-site treatment and disposal of landfill leachate. The resolution supports growing public and legislative concern about what environmental advocates are calling the “leachate loophole.”

Rebecca Martin, associated with the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers Leachate Collaborative, led a report on leachate pollution, citing more than 670 million gallons of landfill leachate produced annually across New York. A significant portion of that, she said, ends up in drinking water sources such as the Hudson and Niagara Rivers. “This is the first time people are really seeing the big picture,” Martin said, urging Ulster County’s support for a robust public rulemaking process.

Legislators also discussed the high costs and logistical hurdles of leachate disposal, noting the City of Kingston's current testing efforts and the Town of Hurley’s move toward mobile treatment solutions, which could cost up to $400,000 per site annually.

“It’s a burden communities can’t shoulder alone,” said Legislator Manna Jo Greene, emphasizing the importance of state and polluter accountability.

Legislators also discussed the potential value of the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, though opinions differed on whether pursuing a public utility should be prioritized.