Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell appointed Legislator Alden H. Wolfe as chairman of the Legislature’s Environmental Committee. Wolfe, an advocate for environmental preservation and protection and sustainable energy, has previously served for several years as committee vice chairman.  He takes over for Legislator Connie Coker, who did not run for re-election. 

During his time as vice chairman, Wolfe led efforts for the passage of local laws prohibiting the sale of certain childcare products containing Bisphenol A (BPA), eliminating the use of polystyrene foam food containers in county facilities and requiring smoking policies in multiple dwelling units. He pushed for implementation of Rockland's “green” procurement policy for goods and services and passage of Rockland's “green” building code for major county construction and renovation projects.  

Wolfe, who represents Legislative District 6, also sponsored resolutions opposing the FAA Reauthorization Bill and hydrofracking, and has encouraged the state to form a Rockland/Bergen Bi-State River Commission to identify and work to remediate flood hazards along the shared tributaries.  New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed the bill establishing the commission on Tuesday.

In 2007, Wolfe was nominated for the EPA's Environmental Quality Award, for his advocacy on these issues.

“I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessor, former Legislator Connie Coker, as we develop ways to address the many challenges ahead,” said Wolfe.  “With Rockland dealing with issues such as the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement, implementation of a County Water Policy and the need to encourage smarter use of our natural resources, I expect 2012 to be a busy year.”  

Wolfe is serving his second term as vice chairman of the Legislature and is a member of the Budget and Finance, Planning and Public Works, Public Safety and Rules Committees.

Wolfe has appointed Legislator Nancy Low-Hogan as the Environmental
Committee vice-chair.  

“Legislator Low-Hogan has a strong environmental track record,” said Wolfe.  “In representing the river villages, she knows the value of and the need for sound environmental programs and practices.”

"I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Environmental Committee,” said Low-Hogan.  “I look forward to working with the Committee and all environmentally-concerned citizens to preserve and protect our beautiful County."

The next meeting of the Environmental Committee will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers.  Committee meetings held by the Rockland County Legislature are open to the public. For information on the committee agenda, visit www.rocklandgov.com, click on County Legislature and follow link to Committee Agendas.