New York law

Environmental Laws in New York.

New York environmental law is administered through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). New York has robust state-level programs implementing federal frameworks (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) plus distinctive state initiatives. The Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) is the comprehensive state framework. New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA, 2019) sets aggressive greenhouse-gas targets (net zero by 2050) and disadvantaged-community investment mandates. New York has strong state-level pesticide, wetlands, and Adirondack/Catskill Park protections. SEQRA provides comprehensive state-level environmental review.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key New York Statutes

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)ECL Article 8

Requires state agencies and local governments to consider environmental impacts of discretionary actions. Similar to federal NEPA. Applies broadly to permit decisions, zoning changes, and policy adoptions.

Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)ECL §§ 75-0101 et seq.

Enacted 2019. Sets targets: 85% GHG reduction by 2050 (with offset to net zero); 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040; 70% renewable electricity by 2030. Requires 35-40% of clean-energy investment in disadvantaged communities.

Clean Water Act ImplementationECL Article 17

Authorizes DEC to administer NPDES permitting and state water-quality programs under delegated CWA authority.

Clean Air Act ImplementationECL Article 19

Authorizes DEC to administer air-quality programs including permitting under delegated CAA authority.

Hazardous Waste ManagementECL Article 27

Regulates hazardous waste under delegated RCRA authority. Includes the state Superfund program for inactive hazardous waste sites.

Adirondack and Catskill Park ProtectionECL Article 9; Adirondack Park Agency Act

Adirondack Park (6.1 million acres, largest state park in the contiguous U.S.) and Catskill Forest Preserve are constitutionally protected as "forever wild." Adirondack Park Agency regulates private-land development.

PFAS RegulationECL regulations and Public Health Law § 1110

New York set drinking-water maximum contaminant levels for PFOA, PFOS (10 ppt each) and 1,4-dioxane (1 ppb). Among the earliest state-level PFAS MCLs.

State law

Official Sources

NY Department of Environmental Conservation U.S. EPA

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in New York.

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Environmental Laws in New York.

Key New York Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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