ALBANY, New York — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos plans to leave Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration after budget negotiations conclude this spring, he announced Wednesday in an all-staff email obtained by POLITICO.
“This has been an extremely tough decision because DEC is like a second home and I view you all like family. And to make it harder, we have really hit our stride lately, thanks to brilliant and dedicated staff, record funding and a Governor who truly supports our agency, our people and the mission of protecting the environment,” Seggos wrote. “But after more than eight years in this role, this is the right decision for me and my family. It’s time for a new chapter.”
Seggos has overseen a steady expansion of the department’s staff and responsibilities since he was appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in October 2015.
The planned departure comes at a pivotal time for the state’s climate targets. The department is currently working on complex regulations for a cap and trade style program to cut emissions and rolling out billions in environmental bond act spending.
