Community Conversations and Engagement around New York State’s Sustained Efforts to Advance Environmental Justice

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced an environmental justice (EJ) listening session in Elmira to support and enhance meaningful engagement with communities with EJ concerns. The event supports DEC’s ongoing efforts to promote and enhance the existing New York State Environmental Justice Programs to better serve communities, build relationships between the agency and community members, and help prioritize future outreach efforts for public participation.

“The upcoming EJ listening session in Elmira offers residents direct access to DEC’s technical environmental experts in a historically disadvantaged community,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “In the face of federal attacks, DEC remains committed to ongoing engagement to protect environmental quality in the Southern Tier and working directly to address burdens in communities that need it most.”

DEC’s listening sessions are organized by the Office of Environmental Justice and regional staff to convene senior agency leadership with leaders and residents of EJ and disadvantaged communities. Visit DEC’s website for more information about the Office of Environmental Justice.

The Elmira listening session will be held on March 17, 2026, in Stephans Lounge, Meier Hall, at Elmira College, 625 Gates Lane, Elmira, NY 14901. Register for the event here.  Future sessions will be announced throughout 2026.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. attendees are welcome to participate in an informal and interactive resource fair and round-table discussions on climate adaptation; green and sustainable remediation; and access to public lands.

There will be a formal presentation and remarks by DEC leadership at 6:30 p.m., with opportunities for attendees to provide input afterward. Participants can engage with staff to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC will also have information on available grant and technical assistance opportunities.

DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice works to address environmental issues and concerns that affect primarily low-income and minority communities through grant opportunities, implementation of environmental laws and regulations, consultation, guidance, and enhanced public participation. For more information on DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice, visit the DEC website.