Hochul nominates Amanda Lefton as New York DEC chief

Governor Kathy Hochul has nominated Amanda Lefton to be the next commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Lefton, 39, has extensive experience in government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Her previous roles include director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management under the Biden administration and assistant secretary for energy and environment for New York state. Most recently, she was vice president of offshore development for U.S. East at RWE, a company focused on offshore wind energy. In her new role, Lefton will manage a state agency with a budget of $2.5 billion and over 3,000 employees. The DEC oversees five million acres of public lands and enforces environmental laws in New York. Lefton has already announced plans for a cap-and-invest program aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This initiative is expected to fund green energy projects and lower utility costs for taxpayers. She emphasized the need for collaboration with local governments and organizations to ensure a smooth transition to a greener economy. Her initial priorities include improving community resilience to extreme weather, enhancing air quality, ensuring access to clean water, and protecting natural spaces. If confirmed by the state Senate, Lefton will succeed Basil Seggos, who was the longest-serving DEC chief. Lefton grew up in Queens, holds a degree from the University at Albany, and currently lives in the capital region with her family.