NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Proposes Changes to SEQR to Streamline the Process

State Environmental Quality Review Act – Proposed Amendments 2017

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposes to amend the regulations that implement the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR, Title 6 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (6 NYCRR), Part 617). The principal purpose of the amendments is to streamline the SEQR process without sacrificing meaningful environmental review.

Although the DEC has not identified any potentially significant adverse environmental impacts that will result from the proposed amendments, the DEC has chosen to use a generic environmental impact statement (GEIS) to discuss the objectives and the rationale for the proposed amendments and provide opportunity for public participation. The DEC has also combined the GEIS with the impact statements required by the State Administrative Procedure Act to reduce duplication.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Permits, Attn: James J. Eldred, Environmental Analyst, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1750 or by e-mail to: seqra617@dec.ny.gov. Comments will be accepted until the close of business on May 19, 2017. A public hearing will be held on March 31, 2017. The hearing will begin at 1:00 pm at 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, Public Assembly Room 129.

Proposed Amendments to 6 NYCRR Part 617, Draft Express Terms (PDF) (140 KB)

Draft GEIS and SAPA Impact Statements (PDF) (563 KB)

Final Scope (PDF) for the GEIS on the 2012 Proposed Amendments to SEQR (73 KB)

Draft Scope (PDF) for the GEIS on the 2012 Proposed Amendments to SEQR (50 KB)

Notice of Intent (PDF) (19 KB)