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Public Involvement and News

If you are a local official - a member of the regulated community - a student - a teacher - a landowner - a householder - you need to know about the state of New York's resources. And no matter who you are, you have a role in protecting the state's environment.

Not everyone needs to or can be fully involved in government decisions. Depending on who you are and the nature of the program or project, you might choose to:

  • Be Aware: Stay informed about proposals and decisions; learn about environmental problems, issues, solutions
  • Comment : Review and evaluate proposals; offer advice, opinions and concerns
  • Participate: Analyze information, create proposals, suggest alternative courses of action
  • Take Action: Contribute to environmental program activities, or change your own lifestyle to be more environment-friendly

Whatever level of involvement you choose, this website will help keep you informed and aware of opportunities to participate.

On DEC's Website

DEC's website offers information and opportunities for two-way communication that enable you to keep abreast of environmental developments and take your best role in department decisions.

We highlight information related to public safety, such as avalanche threats and wildfires. The Events Calendar shows DEC public events, while the weekly Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) and the monthly newsletter Environment DEC keep you up to date on new findings and proposals. For your personal use or to distribute to others, you can find information here about how people can help the environment.

More about Public Involvement and News:

  • Events Calendar - Online calendar of events, workshops, hearings, and meetings open to the public and sponsored by DEC.
  • Green Living - Quick tips and advice on environment-friendly living.
  • DEC Outdoor Discovery - DEC's Bi-weekly newsletter with fun family activities and events
  • Awards - How to nominate outstanding individuals and groups for state environmental awards, plus information about award winners
  • Webcasts - A schedule of public meetings that will be webcast by DEC
  • SEQR - In New York State, most projects or activities proposed by a state agency or unit of local government, and all discretionary approvals (permits) from a NYS agency or unit of local government, require an environmental impact assessment as prescribed by the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).
  • Business Programs that Help the Environment - DEC programs to help businesses prevent pollution in their daily operations
  • Environmental Justice - The Environmental Justice Program focuses on improving the environment in communities, specifically minority and low-income communities, and addressing disproportionate adverse environmental impacts that may exist in those communities.
  • Public Safety - Learn about environmental conditions that may threaten public health or safety
  • Tribal Issues - Indian Nation Fee-to-Trust Land Acquisition Applications in New York State