NEW YORK STATE — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the release of draft amendments to State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) regulations to incorporate provisions of the Environmental Justice Siting Law, also known as the “Cumulative Impacts Law,” signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
The draft regulations amend the SEQRA to require consideration of potential and existing burdens in disadvantaged communities that already bear higher levels of pollution, effects of climate change and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Additional changes include efforts to streamline SEQRA reviews for certain small-scale, multi-family housing developments, which complements Hochul’s affordable housing agenda.
The proposed amendments include changes to SEQRA regulations and to the environmental assessment forms (EAFs) to include additional questions focused on disadvantaged communities.
The public will have the opportunity to comment on the change until May 7. For a schedule of in-person and virtual public hearings, visit on.ny.gov/3WH0Y7u/.