Meeting Scheduled for April 28 in City of Utica  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced a Region 6 Environmental Justice listening session to support and enhance meaningful engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns. The event supports DEC’s ongoing efforts to promote and enhance existing state Environmental Justice programs to better serve the community, build relationships between agencies and community members, and help prioritize future outreach efforts for public participation. It will be held on Aprl 28 in the City of Utica, Oneida County, at the Mohawk Valley Community College campus. 

“Environmental justice is at the heart of DEC’s mission to protect New York’s communities and natural resources,” said Commissioner Lefton. “This listening session in Utica will provide vital opportunities to hear directly from North Country and Mohawk Valley residents about the environmental challenges they face and the solutions they envision. Together, we can build stronger partnerships, expand opportunity, and ensure that every community has a voice in shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for our state.”  

Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza said, “DEC’s Office of Equity and Justice is committed to advancing fairness and inclusion in environmental decision-making across New York State. By engaging directly with community members, we gain the insight needed to strengthen programs, remove barriers, and direct resources where they are needed most. The Region 6 listening session reflects our ongoing dedication to co-creating solutions with the communities most effected by environmental burdens.”  

Region 6 Director Randall Young said, “The Region 6 team is eager to connect with community members and hear more about their perspectives on local and environmental issues. The conversations help us identify meaningful ways to support neighborhoods facing disproportionate environmental impacts and guide how we deliver resources and technical assistance. Building trust through dialogue is essential to advancing environmental justice across the North Country and Mohawk Valley.”  

The listening session is jointly organized by DEC’s Region 6 and Office of Environmental Justice. The meeting will be held on April 28 at the Mohawk Valley Community College Utica campus, 101 Sherman Dr., Utica. Doors open at 4 p.m. and participants can attend any time between 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to participate in an informal and interactive open house with DEC technical experts. There will be brief remarks by DEC leadership at 5 p.m., followed by roundtable discussions and opportunities for attendees to provide input throughout the evening.  

Participants will be able to engage with DEC staff to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC will also have information on grant and technical assistance opportunities available. Future sessions are planned statewide and will be announced throughout 2026.  

Register for the event here.  

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. 

Language interpretation services shall be made available to persons with limited English proficiency, including American Sign Language, at no cost. Requests can be directed to the DEC Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement by mail (address: DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500), e-mail (language@dec.ny.gov), or phone 518-402-8028. Request an interpreter by April 16, 2026.