Statement from Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton
I am honored that Governor Kathy Hochul has entrusted me to carry out the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) critical work. My mission is clear: tangible results to deliver clean air and water for every New Yorker while protecting the environment and our invaluable natural resources for future generations.
To carry out the Governor's bold agenda, my day-one priorities will be:
- Enhance the resilience of our communities and restore natural resources: With communities statewide facing the increasingly devastating and deadly impacts of extreme weather, DEC will bolster its work with local, state, and federal partners to reduce risk from flooding and other climate impacts, especially through the effective delivery of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
- Improve air quality: As directed by the Governor in her State of the State, DEC will release this month draft regulations that establish transparent greenhouse gas emission reporting protocols, advancing a cap-and-invest initiative that will ultimately fund a sustainable and affordable economy in New York. The regulations will allow DEC—in partnership with local governments, environmental organizations, and businesses—to establish the framework for this ambitious program and ensure a just and affordable transition to a cleaner, greener economy for all New Yorkers.
- Ensure access to clean water and protect open space and natural resources: DEC recognizes the dynamic challenges facing our environment and will proactively advance innovative and effective programs that safeguard the state's invaluable resources. This includes expanding investments in clean water infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and fostering community-driven conservation initiatives.
I am confident that through collaboration and partnership we will advance the Governor’s climate agenda and achieve solutions that benefit all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated team at DEC to continue to deliver transformative environmental progress.
