One week after being nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul to serve as the next commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Amanda Lefton has released her priorities for the state agency.
“I am honored that Governor Kathy Hochul has entrusted me to carry out the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) critical work,” said Lefton. “My mission is clear: tangible results to deliver clean air and water for every New Yorker while protecting the environment and our invaluable natural resources for future generations.”
Lefton said in order to carry out the Governor’s “bold agenda” her day-one priorities will be:
- Enhance the resilience of our communities and restore natural resources: With communities statewide facing the increasingly devastating and deadly impacts of extreme weather, DEC will bolster its work with local, state, and federal partners to reduce risk from flooding and other climate impacts, especially through the effective delivery of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
- Improve air quality: As directed by the Governor in her State of the State, DEC will release this month draft regulations that establish transparent greenhouse gas emission reporting protocols, advancing a cap-and-invest initiative that will ultimately fund a sustainable and affordable economy in New York. The regulations will allow DEC—in partnership with local governments, environmental organizations, and businesses—to establish the framework for this ambitious program and ensure a just and affordable transition to a cleaner, greener economy for all New Yorkers.
- Ensure access to clean water and protect open space and natural resources: DEC recognizes the dynamic challenges facing our environment and will proactively advance innovative and effective programs that safeguard the state’s invaluable resources. This includes expanding investments in clean water infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and fostering community-driven conservation initiatives.
“I am confident that through collaboration and partnership we will advance the Governor’s climate agenda and achieve solutions that benefit all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated team at DEC to continue to deliver transformative environmental progress.”
According to a biography released by the state:
Amanda Lefton’s career spans the public and private sectors, including previously serving as the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior. Under her leadership, BOEM developed and implemented an ambitious federal offshore wind program creating a new industry of family supporting jobs and generational opportunity. Her collaborative approach brought together various stakeholders to responsibly manage the nation’s critical offshore energy and mineral resources.
Prior to her role as BOEM Director, Lefton served as the First Assistant Secretary for Energy and Environment for New York, where she led the State’s environmental and climate initiatives overseeing a portfolio of executive agencies including the DEC. She has also worked for The Nature Conservancy in New York as the Deputy Policy Director and climate mitigation lead, the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United and the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. Most recently, Lefton was the Vice President of Offshore Development, U.S. East at RWE — one of the world’s leading players in the offshore wind sector.
Originally from Queens, she grew up on Long Island and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Albany. She now resides in the capital region with her wife and stepchildren.”
Sean Mahar is currently serving as Interim Commissioner for DEC
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