New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the formation of the Permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group, an environmental justice-focused group charged with developing a model Environmental Justice (EJ) policy and reviewing EJ rules, policies, and laws across State government. The group’s first meeting will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will begin the process of establishing the workflow for the group. 

“DEC, under Governor Hochul, continues advancing environmental justice as part of our mission to protect New York’s communities and natural resources,” Commissioner Lefton said. “The convening of the Permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group is the latest step in the State’s ongoing efforts to advance fairness and inclusion in environmental decision-making across the state and improve outcomes for disadvantaged communities.” 

The Permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group was established in Article 48 of the Environmental Conservation Law. The group is charged with establishing and adopting a model environmental justice policy to apply generally to all State agencies that engage in activities or operations that may affect the environment; advising State agencies on their responsibilities under 48-109; and reporting out on agency compliance with EJ policies. 

The advisory group membership currently includes:

• Shorna Allred, Cornell University, School of Global Development and Environment and University North Carolina Chapel Hill, Department of Geography and Environment
• R. Maxwell Anderson, Open Buffalo
• Annel Hernandez, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and Climate School
• Mark Hoffman, Ecobat
• Mychal Johnson, South Bronx Unite
• Aaron Mair, Arbor Hill Development Corporation
• Rev. Kahli Mootoo, The 400 Foundation
• Neil Patterson Jr., SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Center for Native Peoples and the Environment
• Ellen Theg, Groundwork Hudson Valley
• Peggy Shepard, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
• Raya Salter, Energy Justice Law and Policy Center
• Stephanie Sunico, National Grid 

The PEJAG includes 16 members, with appointments made by the Governor and majority and minority leaders of the State Legislature. Members include representatives of community-based organizations that advise or assist minority and low-income communities on environmental matters, representatives of businesses that hold State-issued permits, representatives of state or national organizations promoting environmental conservation, as well as researchers, educators, and members of the general public. 

The public can listen to the meeting via webcast or attend in person. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. 

Webcast Meeting Information

When: Thursday, June 4, 2 p.m.

Where:  Virtual - WebEx meeting and registration link [https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/rd27e0c61182866dccffa3d232fd090ec]

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.119^th 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