Something significant just changed in Albany — and it could affect the forests, farmlands, and open spaces you've spent years protecting.
Governor Hochul's recent state budget included the most sweeping changes to New York's environmental review law since it was first enacted in 1975. The State Environmental Quality Review Act — SEQRA — has long been one of the most powerful tools Catskills communities have to scrutinize large development projects. Those tools just got a lot harder to use.
We want to make sure you understand what changed and what options remain. Join Catskill Mountainkeeper and Hudson Riverkeeper for a free community webinar on Thursday, June 25th at 6:00 PM on Zoom.
The revisions exempt a broader range of housing projects from environmental review, shorten timelines for the reviews that do happen, and significantly limit opportunities to challenge projects through litigation. State officials argue the changes are needed to address New York's housing shortage. But for communities in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Sullivan County — where forests, farmland, and rural character are both beloved and economically vital — the tradeoffs deserve a hard look.
Join us for a frank conversation with featured speakers:
Drew Gamils, Senior Attorney, Hudson Riverkeeper
Dr. Kathy Nolan, Senior Research Director, Catskill Mountainkeeper
Together they'll cover:
- An overview of SEQRA
- The Governor's revisions to the law and how they will impact communities' ability to protect the environment
- Hypothetical examples of proposed developments and how the revisions will be applied to them
- How residents and advocates can still make their voices heard
The presentation will be followed by an open Q&A. Bring your questions and together we'll learn more and begin adapting to these SEQRA revisions as we continue protecting the places we love.
