U.S. EPA and DEC Announce Aug. 21 Environmental Justice Listening Session for Long Island

Meetings Advance Community Conversations and Engagement around Federal and New York State Environmental Justice Programs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced an Environmental Justice listening session in the hamlet of Wyandanch, Suffolk County, to support and enhance meaningful engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns, including the Shinnecock and Unkechaug Nations. The event supports DEC and EPA's ongoing efforts to promote and enhance existing State and Federal Environmental Justice programs to better serve communities, build relationships between the agencies and community members, and help prioritize future outreach efforts for public participation. 

"EPA and DEC are looking forward to hearing directly from residents on Long Island, as we continue our joint work to reduce legacy contamination and pollution, and tackle the impacts of climate change," EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said. "Our goal is to establish stronger relationships with community leaders and promote meaningful engagement in all our decision-making."

"While New York State continues to make significant progress to address longstanding environmental issues affecting disadvantaged communities, more work must be done to advance DEC's environmental justice objectives to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalized New Yorkers," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. "DEC is proud to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to host listening sessions and hear directly from Indigenous Nations and communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other harmful impacts of climate change."

The listening sessions are jointly organized by EPA Region 2 and DEC's Offices of Environmental Justice and Indian Nation Affairs. The next meeting will be held on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center, 28 Wyandanch Ave., Wyandanch. Doors open at 5 p.m. for attendees to participate in an informal and interactive resource fair with EPA and DEC technical experts. There will be a formal presentation and brief remarks by DEC and EPA leadership at 6 p.m., with opportunities for attendees to provide input afterwards. Participants will be able to engage with staff from both agencies to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC and EPA will also have information on grant and technical assistance opportunities available. Future sessions are planned statewide and will be announced throughout 2024 and 2025. 

DEC's Office of Environmental Justice works to address environmental issues and concerns that affect primarily low-income and minority communities through grant opportunities, enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, consultation, guidance, and enhanced public participation. For more information on DEC's Office of Environmental Justice, visit the DEC website.

DEC's Office of Indian Nation Affairs works to address environmental concerns, cultural resources, and advance shared knowledge through consultation with State and Federally recognized Indian Nations. To learn more, visit the DEC website.