The sponsor of a proposed local law to expand Ulster County’s ban on disposable polystyrene and thermoformed plastic clamshells withdrew the measure at the committee’s Aug. 5 meeting and announced an education‑focused working group.

Speaking to committee members, the sponsor said she was pulling the resolution because the local restriction “is ahead of the industry” and a state measure—the Producer Responsibility and Recycling Infrastructure Act—was moving in Albany. “I’ve decided, as the sponsor to pull this resolution,” the sponsor told the committee and said she would focus on lobbying at the state level while organizing a local outreach effort.

The sponsor proposed forming a voluntary Beyond Plastics working group, to be chaired by Legislator Stewart, that will include public participants and representatives from advocacy groups such as Beyond Plastics, the legislature and the executive branch. The working group will pursue education, business engagement and ideas such as a green‑restaurant scorecard to incentivize reduction of single‑use items rather than immediate local regulation.

Committee members supported prioritizing education and initial health‑department outreach; one member suggested the health department could start by reminding affected facilities that existing laws are in force and offering guidance, with enforcement to follow if noncompliance persists.

Why it matters: the sponsor cited industry readiness and state legislative activity as reasons to delay a county ban, and chose an outreach and incentive approach instead. The informal working group is intended to coordinate public education, business incentives and technical guidance before any future regulatory action.