Amanda Lefton will start Monday, March 3, as the new commissioner for the NYS Department of Environment Conservation. Citizens Campaign for the Environment has worked with Lefton for the last 15 years on critical issues such as water infrastructure, clean water funding, and renewable energy. Lefton has valuable, diverse work experience, including the environmental not-for-profit sector, state government, the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management agency and in the private sector. 

Adrienne Esposito, CCE’s executive director, offers the following statement: 

“We extend a whole-hearted congratulations to Amanda Lefton. She is a smart, competent woman with an extraordinary array of experience in the public and private sector that will provide leadership and expertise to the DEC. The DEC commissioner plays the pivotal role in not only advancing clean air and clean water for all New Yorkers, but also for ensuring the legacy of protecting our irreplaceable natural resources for future generations.”

“It is more important than ever for New York to continue our leadership in advancing our climate goals and safeguarding residents from chemical toxins such as PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane especially given the announcement by Trump that he plans to cut EPA staff by 65 percent.  I have worked alongside Amanda in the past and she has demonstrated great depth of knowledge and commitment for environmental protection and public health issues. Her expertise is hard to find, and she is exactly the right person for the job.  New York’s environment and economy are intrinsically linked. A thriving economy relies on clean water and clean air. We look forward to continuing to work with Amanda Lefton in her new role as DEC commissioner to protect New Yorkers.”