DEC applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature for investing in our environment and building upon our existing foundation to address the challenges of climate change in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 State Budget. The additional $500 million in water infrastructure funding and maintaining the Environmental Protection Fund at a historic $400 million will provide local governments, community partners, and state agencies with the means to ensure clean water for communities, protect natural resources, and enhance DEC’s ability to engage the public in environmental justice and other critical issues. 

The Budget’s new climate initiatives prioritize affordability and support innovative ways to achieve our ambitious renewable energy requirements as the state transitions from fossil fuel sources.  With these and other ongoing responsibilities, the infusion of over 200 new staff in the budget will be instrumental in helping DEC continue to fulfill our mission, particularly the work underway to implement the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and enact an economy-wide Cap-and-Invest Program to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. DEC looks forward to our ongoing work to build a greener, equitable, and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.