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 Plattsburgh 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.

“We look forward to partnering with the Plattsburgh community at the upcoming EJ listening session to listen to community members and offer direct access to technical experts,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “In the face of federal attacks, DEC remains committed to ongoing engagement to protect environmental quality in the North Country and working directly to address burdens disproportionately faced by disadvantaged communities.” 

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 Plattsburgh listening session will be held on March 11, 2026, in the Warren Ballroom at SUNY Plattsburgh, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Register for the event here. Future sessions will be announced throughout 2026.  

Doors will open at 5 p.m. Attendees are welcome to participate in an informal and interactive resource fair with technical experts from a variety of DEC programs as well as partnering organizations who are working toward the common goal of assisting environmentally vulnerable communities. There will be a formal presentation and remarks by DEC leadership at 6 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.