Land Use Update 2025
Join us for this 1.5 hour CLE webinar, Land Use Update 2025. Topics to be discussed include:• Public Utility Doctrine and Climate Leadership and Community…
WHO WE ARE
The Environmental & Energy Law Section’s mission is to bring together members of the New York State Bar Association interested in environmental, land use, energy, health and safety, and related issues and topics, to further the education of the legal community, the public, and governmental and elected officials on legal, administrative and policy matters.
The Section also works to facilitate the making of public policy, and to provide networking opportunities between and among attorneys in private practice, government, corporations and consulting firms.
SECTION BENEFITS
PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR YOU
We offer New York – and federal based MCLE and informational programs that address complex issues and timely topics in environmental and energy law. Each year the Section holds an in-person Annual Meeting, Fall Meeting, Oil Spill Symposium and Legislative Forum as well as virtual programs on relevant updates related to your practice.
EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE RESOURCES
Benefit from an online subscription to the New York Environmental Lawyer featuring peer-written substantive articles relating to the practice of environmental law on various topics, including climate change, brownfields, pollution, air quality, wetlands, and superfunds.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
Gain access to the Section’s online community where members can post queries and requests to their colleagues around the state and receive immediate responses. The community also provides access to the Section’s Global Climate Change blog.
PARTICIPATE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY LAW SECTION’S WORK
Join any of the Section’s 20+ substantive Committees to gain additional knowledge in specific areas of interest and influence the laws that can directly impact your practice. We offer Committees on topics including: climate change, air quality, risk management, environmental justice, land use, hazardous site remediation, brownfields, water quality, and many more.
CONTACT US
To learn more about this Section, please contact Ernesto Guerrero
eguerrero@nysba.org
(518) 487-5682
The Environmental & Energy Law Section has been at the forefront of introducing, monitoring, and evaluating legal and policy developments at both federal and New York State levels. Section members have the opportunity to contribute to these efforts through the work of Section Committees.
Please do not contact the Section liaison with a request for legal advice or an attorney referral. You can instead visit our ‘Public Resources’ or ‘Lawyer Referral Service’ page for this type of request.
Michael J. Hecker
Partner, Hodgson Russ
Mike is the Leader of Hodgson Russ’ Real Estate, Environment, Energy, and Finance Practice Area, and co-leader of the Brownfield Redevelopment Practice.
Mike has a broad-based environmental and energy-based practice, with a focus on addressing environmental issues in business transactions, regulatory compliance counseling and permitting, renewable project development, administrative, civil, and criminal environmental defense, and remediation-based project oversight and assistance.
A large part of Mike’s practice focuses on assisting regional, national, and international clients with regulatory compliance and remedial matters. His experience includes counseling corporate and facility-based management on operational compliance programs and permitting pursuant to local, State and Federal requirements and disclosure obligations, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and other environmental statutes and regulations.
Mike also has substantial experience in overseeing small to large-scale, multi-faceted remedial projects, including those pursuant to RCRA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the New York State (“NYS”) Spills Program, the NYS Brownfields Program, and the NYS Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program. As part of these representations, Mike has negotiated a number of State and Federal Orders and Decrees with various agencies, including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Department of Justice.
Live Events
Register Now
Sixth Annual Earth Day Climate Change Symposium
The Sixth Annual Earth Day Climate Change Symposium will consider where we are and where we are going with respect to (1) laws and regulations…
Environmental & Energy Law Section Fall Meeting 2025
Take look at our Fall Meeting destination: Lake Placid's Newest ResortCambria Resort2127 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946Join the Environmental & Energy Law Section at…
On Demand Programs
Emerging Issues in Environmental Insurance
Emerging Issues in Environmental Insurance
Hot Topics in Siting Renewable Energy Facilities In New York State
Hot Topics in Siting Renewable Energy Facilities In New York State
2025 NYSBA Annual Meeting
New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting 2025January 14-17, 2025New York Hilton Midtown Join us for the premier legal event of the year, the Annual Meeting…
NYSBA Sections Holiday Party
Come learn more about the benefits of being a NYSBA Section member,help celebrate the end of year holiday season, have fun, and networkat what we…
Superfund/Brownfield Update 2024: Federal and State Environmental Law and Policy
Agenda9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Welcome RemarksProgram Co-Chairs:David J. Freeman, Esq. Gibbons P.C. New York, NYLawrence P. Schnapf, Esq Schnapf LLC New York, NYAmy L. Reichhart,…
2024 Law Student Section Meet and Greet (3 of 7)
2024 Law Student Section Meet and Greets (Session 3 of 7) Join us each week throughout November and into December for the Law Student Section Meet…
Environmental & Energy Law Section 2024 Fall Meeting
Register here and find the agenda, hotel information, speakers, and activities:Environmental & Energy Law Section Fall Meeting 2024 - New York State Bar Association (nysba.org)
Online Community
Committee Roster
Gary A. Abraham, Esq.
Member
Law Office Of Gary A. Abraham
Matthew John Acocella, Esq.
Member
Empire State Development
Robyn Marie Adair, Esq.
Member
The Dirigo Group LLC
Nargiz Adigozalova
Member
Brittany Leigh Adikes, Esq.
Member
Dena Perri Adler, Esq.
Member
Mr. John E. Ahearn, III
Member
Couch White, LLP
Morenikeji Ruth Akinade, Esq.
Member
Ernest Akins
Member
Dominique Grace Albano, Esq.
Member
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
Robert J. Alessi, Esq.
Member
DLA Piper LLP (US)
Louis A. Alexander, Esq.
Member
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Neil J. Alexander, Esq.
Member
Cuddy & Feder Llp
Narmina Aliyev
Member
Aaron Alleyne, J.d.
Member
Patrick S. Almonrode, Esq.
Member
Brown, LLC
David N. Altman, Esq.
Member
Brown Altman & Dileo, Llp
Edmund R. Altone, Esq.
Member
Ms. Susan E. Amron
Member
NYC Department of City Planning
Mr. Stephen R. Angel
Member
Esseks, Hefter, Angel, Di Talia & Pasca, LLP
Environmental & Energy Law Section Publications
Newly released issues are restricted to Section & Committee Members only for the first 90 days, after which they become available to all members.
The New York Environmental Lawyer
The New York Environmental Lawyer features peer-written substantive articles relating to the practice of environmental law on various topics including climate change, brownfields, pollution, air quality, wetlands, and superfund. Regular columns include recent administrative and judicial cases, ethics issues, EPA and DEC updates, and Section news. Edited by James L. Simpson, Esq. (Co-Editor-in-Chief), Margaret Barry, Esq. (Co-Editor-in-Chief), Alicia G. Artessa, Esq. (Issue Editor), Prof. Keith Hirokawa (Issue Editor), and Aaron Gershonowitz, Esq. (Issue Editor), The New York Environmental Lawyer is published by the Environmental & Energy Law Section and distributed to Section Members free of charge.
The New York Environmental Lawyer is published as a benefit for members of the Environmental & Energy Law Section and is copyrighted by the New York State Bar Association.
The New York Environmental Lawyer encourages article submissions on topics of interest to members of the Section. Writing an article for a NYSBA Section publication is a great way to get your name out to the legal community and advertise your knowledge. Our authors are respected state-wide for their legal expertise in such areas as climate change, brownfields, pollution, air quality, wetlands, and superfund.
Article Library
Looking for specific articles from our issues? Explore our library of individual articles, available from current and past editions.
View article librarySection Business
- 2020 Guidelines for Program, Speaker, Diversity and Reimbursement (January 30, 2020)
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (September 22, 2019)
- Taking Action on Climate Change in New York: 2017 Update Report (June 18, 2017)
- Green Guidelines
- Policy and Procedures for Section Comments on Legislation, Regulations and Guidance Documents
- Speaker Selection Guidelines (New 5/12/2017)
- CLE Program Co-Sponsorship Memo (1/25/11)
- Former Section Chairs (Updated January 2024)
- Section Officers Committee Liaison Responsibilities (Updated October 2021)
- Award Committee Guidelines
- House of Delegates Report
- Committee Chair Manual (2018)
Legislative/Regulatory Policy Submissions, Reports and Letters
- Comments on Proposed Part 613 (December 6, 2021)
- Comments on the Proposed Revisions to 6 NYCRR Part 360 Regulations (August 2022)
- Proposed Stakeholder Revisions to 6 NYCRR Part 375 DEC Regulatory Provisions (Feb 16, 2023)
- Letter to the Governor: Inflation Reduction Act (October 26, 2023)
- DEP 23-1 / Permitting and Disadvantaged Communities under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (December 5, 2023)
- Comments Regarding CP-51 (September 26, 2024)
- Memorandum Regarding Adverse Impact of Proposed Prevailing Wage Legislation on New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program – June -2019
- Memorandum Regarding Proposed Brownfield Cleanup Program Tax Credit – March 2018
- Comments in the NYS DEC Definition of “Underutilized” April 2016
- Memorandum Regarding Proposed Definition of “Underutilized” of the Brownfield Cleanup Program – May 2015
- Testimony by Environmental & Energy Law Section on NYSDEC Proposed Definition of “Underutilized” Re: 2015 BCP Amendments
- Environmental Memo 2 – Comments on Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (September 22, 2019)
- NYSBA Letter to President Trump on Paris Agreement
- Report and Recommendations Concerning The Conservation Article in the State Constitution – August, 2016
- Comments on DEC’s Proposed Definition of “Underutilized” in Connection with BCP– April 2016
- NYSDEC Proposed Changes to SEQR– March 3, 2016
- Memorandum re NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program– January 8, 2015
- Memorandum in Support of Navigation Law Bill – March 2012
- Memorandum in Support of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Reform Bill – May 23, 2011
- Comments on Proposed EAF Changes – April 26, 2011
- Memorandum re Budget Cuts – Staffing at NYS DEC – November 2010
- Comments on Marcellus Shale DSGEIS – December 2009
- Comments on DER-30 – December 2009
- Memorandum in Support of the Bottle Bill– April 2009
- Bottle Bill Memorandum – June 2007
- Wetlands Bill Memorandum – May 2007
- Brownfields Recommendations for Advisory Committee – December 2006
- Proposed Revisions to Draft Brownfield Cleanup Program Guide – November 2004
Environmental & Energy Law Section Committee
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Adirondacks, Catskills, Forest Preserve Committee
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Agriculture and Rural Issues Committee
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CLE & Ethics Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Coastal And Wetland Resources Committee
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Corporate Counsel Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Diversity & Inclusion Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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EELS Committee Chairs & Co-Chairs
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Energy Committee
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Enforcement & Compliance Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Environmental Business Transactions Committee
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Environmental Impact Assessment Committee
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Environmental Insurance Committee
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Environmental Justice Committee
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Executive Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Global Climate Change Committee
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Hazardous Waste/Site Cleanup/Brownfield Committee
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Land Use Committee
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Legislation Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Membership Committee (Environmental & Energy Law)
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Mining Committee
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PFAS Committee
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Pesticides Committee
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Petroleum Spills Committee
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Siting and Utility Regulation Committee
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Social Media and Electronic Communications Committee
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Solid Waste Committee
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Toxic Torts Committee
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Water Quality Committee
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Water Quality, Coastal & Wetland Resources Committee
Awards
To honor distinguished service to the protection of the environment.
To recognize a member of the Environmental Law Section for outstanding contribution to the Section’s work and activities.
This fellowship program is designed to encourage diverse law students to enter the field of environmental law.
This annual competition is designed to challenge law students to analyze the environmental issues confronting us today.
Brownfields Task Force
- Alaskan VCA Decision and Order (July 2016)
- 2015 BCP Amendments
- Draft Voluntary Cleanup Program Guide (2002)
External Resources
Program Archive
Program Materials & Webinars
- COVID-19’S Impact on Environmental & Energy Law Practice Dialogue with the USEPA, NYSDEC and NYCDCP-April 16, 2020
- 2020 Annual Meeting Agency Update Jan 30, 2020
- 2017 8th Annual Oil spill Symposium – June 7, 2017
- 2017 Annual Meeting – January 27, 2017
- 2016 Fall Meeting – October 14-16
- 2016 Annual Meeting Program – January 29, 2016
- 2015 Fall Meeting – October 2-4, 2015
- 2015 Legislative Forum – May 6, 2016
Program Archive
Oil Spill Symposium – May 7, 2024
Legislative Forum 2o23 — April 26, 2023
Environmental & Energy Law Section Legislative Forum 2022 – May 18, 2022
Law Student Meet & Greet and Roundtable Discussion – February 8, 2022
2021 Annual Oil Spill Symposium – September 23, 2021
2022 Annual Meeting Agency Update – January 28, 2022
2021 Oil Spill Symposium – September 23, 2021
Meet and Greet Section Officers and Members: Environmental & Energy Law Section – June 1, 2021
COVID 19’s Impact on Environmental & Energy Law Practice: A Dialogue – April 16, 2020
Environmental and Energy Law Section Legislative Forum – May 13, 2020
Averting the “Next” Pandemic in New York – May 21, 2020
Environmental and Energy Lawyers: A Law Student’s Guide to What We Do – September 30, 2020
Environmental & Energy Law Section Meet & Greet the Section Officers and Members – December 16, 2020
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