DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos to Depart Hochul Administration After Budget Negotiations, Citing Family Decision.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner, Basil Seggos, plans to leave Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration after budget negotiations conclude this spring. The announcement was made in an email to staff members, stating that it was a “tough decision” for him and his family to leave the state’s Department of Energy and Conservation (DEC) after more than eight years in his role. This comes at a pivotal time for the department, which is currently working on regulations for a cap and trade style program to cut emissions and billions in environmental bond act spending. Seggo has overseen a steady expansion of the department’s staff and responsibilities since he was appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in October 2015.