New York State DEC Commissioner Touts SEQRA, Regulatory Reforms at Partnership’s MVP Breakfast
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton
By John Jordan
MIDDLETOWN—The approximately 450 attendees of the Orange County Partnership’s recent MVP Breakfast left the Villa Venezia here with an abundance of business intelligence fare, including the latest on the promising SEQRA and environmental regulation reforms proposed by the Hochul administration, as well as updates on major economic development and capital project investments from the public and private sectors in Orange County.
In addition to honoring the Orange County Partnership’s 2026 Most Valuable Partner, veteran attorney William Frank of Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP., the March 11th event also featured addresses by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Partnership President & CEO Conor Eckert and others.
DEC Commissioner Lefton highlighted some of the key spending proposals included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, including continued funding from the landmark $4.2-billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act passed by voters in 2022; the $1-billion Sustainable Future Program signed into law last year; a $3.75 billion five-year commitment to enhancing clean water infrastructure, $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, along with other environmental funding initiatives included in the governor’s proposed budget.
Commissioner Lefton began her presentation with a description of Orange County that could easily be used in future business attraction marketing materials for years to come.
“I have to say that what is so wonderful about Orange County is that it is not just a place that has so much economic opportunity, but also a place that is so beautiful to live,” she said, marveling at the county’s continued care in protecting its natural resources.
She noted that there has been a total of $358 million in investments in the Mid-Hudson region from the state Environmental Bond Act since its passage a little over three years ago.
In detailing some of the reforms on tap at the DEC, Commissioner Lefton noted, “What New York has been able to deliver for some time is showing that environmental protection and economic development growth are not in conflict, but actually go hand-in-hand. That having vibrant communities that have economic growth and robust economic development also is complimented by having protected natural resources, clean air and clean water. Those things come together to make our communities thrive.”
In terms of possible SEQRA reforms, Commissioner Lefton said that the state is focused on “common sense reforms” that will eventually create predictability for land owners and developers.
In her budget proposal the governor seeks to adjust SEQRA’s classifications to allow a number of important categories of projects not in need of additional SEQRA review to secure approvals faster, such as Clean Water and Green Infrastructure projects, parks and trails and child care. Under her “Let Them Build” agenda, the governor is calling for amending SEQRA to exempt certain types of housing projects that have no significant impacts on the environment, which are still subject to local zoning, from additional SEQRA review.
Among some of the other environmental reforms include establishing a maximum two-year timeline for SEQRA review, the clarification of a timeline for SEQRA legal challenges and the creation of Generic Environmental Impact Statements for common project types.
Commissioner Lefton also touted the launch of the “Smart Access Platform,” which she described as a “One Stop Shop” that will allow applicants to follow the progress of permits and environmental reviews in real time and access the latest documents.
“Excitingly, what the governor has proposed in her Executive Budget reforms the State Environmental Quality Review Act to essentially incentivize developing in areas that are previously disturbed to ensure that we can deliver on housing and smart projects, while also cutting down the years of environmental review,” she said.
County Executive Details Capital Investment Plans
Orange County Executive Neuhaus briefed MVP attendees of some major county capital project investments planned in the months and years ahead.
He noted that he is in discussions with SUNY Orange officials on what he described as proposed major renovations at the Middletown and Newburgh campuses totaling $220 million.
The county is also embarking on a major water line project in the Town of New Windsor valued at between $120 million to $150 million and an ambitious effort to upgrade the county’s roads and building infrastructure over the next four years to the tune of $420 million.
Partnership CEO Highlights, Exciting Initiative and Projects
Orange County Partnership President & CEO Eckert briefly discussed the soon to be unveiled “Invest Orange County” marketing initiative that will include Orange County government, the Orange County Partnership, the Orange County Industrial Development Agency, local participating municipalities and other stakeholders to serve as a clearing house for site selection and corporate investment.
Eckert noted that the Partnership is serving a diverse pipeline of between 20 to 25 investment prospects, but noted that the current volatile economic climate has led to a slowdown in activity. He concluded that now is the time to “double down” and work with utility providers and others to advance shovel-ready sites that will eventually lead to new economic development opportunities.
Frank Honored as Partnership’s 2026 MVP
The program concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Most Valuable Partner to the county’s “Unsung Hero of Economic Development” William Frank, a Partner at Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP.
“Economic development is a team effort, and Will Frank exemplifies what it means to be a true partner,” said Eckert. “His ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges, provide trusted counsel to communities and local municipal boards, and bring stakeholders together has helped advance projects that deliver lasting value across Orange County. We are proud to recognize his contributions with this year’s Most Valuable Partner Award.”
