NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 28, 2026) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the formation of the Permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group, with its inaugural meeting set for June 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place in multiple locations, including City Hall in New Rochelle.
Webcast Meeting Information
When: Thursday, June 4, 2 p.m.
Where: Virtual – WebEx meeting and registration link
Webinar password: welcome6.4.26 (93526636 from phones)
Audio: Dial 1-929-251-9612 (New York City); Dial 1-415-527-5035
Access code: 2833 719 3306
In-Person Meeting Information
Event locations and partners include:
- Emanuel AME Church, 37 W.119th Street, New York, NY 10026
- Make the Road New York, Menahan Classroom, 301 Grove Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Conference Room, 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10031
- City of New Rochelle, City Hall Conference Room B1, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801
- Town of Minisink, Town Hall Meeting Room, 20 Roy Smith Drive, Westtown, NY 10998
- Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
- DEC Central Office, Conference Room 919, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Baker Lab 408, 313 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13210
- Open Buffalo Classroom, 1327 Jefferson Avenue, Upper, Buffalo, NY 14208
This meeting will also be recorded and posted on the DEC website within three days, or as soon as practicable.
The advisory group, established under Article 48 of the Environmental Conservation Law, is tasked with developing a model Environmental Justice policy and reviewing related rules, policies, and laws across state government. Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner, emphasized that the group’s formation is part of ongoing efforts to enhance fairness and inclusion in environmental decision-making statewide.
The group comprises 16 members, including representatives from community organizations, businesses, and academic institutions. Notable members include Shorna Allred of Cornell University, Annel Hernandez from Columbia University, and Peggy Shepard from WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
Public participation is encouraged through pre-registration for either the webcast or in-person attendance at various locations, including the DEC Central Office in Albany and the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
Have information about this story? Email robertcox@talkofthesound (preferred) or contact via WhatsApp: +353 089 972 0669.