New City, NY (November 19, 2009) – The Rockland County Legislature has approved a bipartisan resolution amending the County of Rockland Procurement Policy.  The amendment implements a sustainable procurement policy that will reflect the County’s ongoing commitment to integrate fiscal, health and environmental factors into the County‘s process of acquiring goods and services.  County Legislators Alden H. Wolfe and Ed Day introduced the measure, which was passed unanimously at the November 17, 2009 Legislative meeting. 

Examples of sustainable or green procurement range from the purchase of energy-saving light bulbs, appliances, low emission vehicles, recycled paper products and other products with a higher recycled content to the purchase of energy from renewable resources, alternate fuels and avoidance of purchases of products or equipment with high global warming potential.  The County Legislature has long been involved in the area of sustainable purchasing.  In 2006, Legislator Wolfe introduced legislation calling for the use of green cleaning products in County government, a policy that has been adopted by the Purchasing Division.  In 2007, the County entered into the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels by the year 2012.  In 2008, the Legislature passed a measure eliminating the use of polystyrene foam products in County facilities.

“I am very pleased that my colleagues joined us in implementing this important policy,” said Legislator Wolfe.  “A sustainable procurement policy is a critical step in changing ‘government as usual’.  We’re now poised to make smarter choices in how we acquire goods and services.  Better choices will lessen our impact on the environment, create a healthier workplace for our employees and allow us to protect the taxpayers’ interests.  I’m excited about the possibilities, and look forward to seeing how these decisions will play out in the future.”

Legislator Day said, “This is a prime example of how local government puts aside partisan politics for the benefit of all the people of Rockland. I have said many times that the environment is the common denominator we all share, and with this new procurement policy, we are taking responsible action to respect that, while maximizing efficiency and minimizing cost to taxpayers.”