New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Amanda Lefton as the next state commissioner for the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday.
According to the Governor’s Office, Lefton previously served as director of the Office of Marine Energy Management (BOEM) within the U.S. Department of Interior, developing and implementing the federal offshore wind program.
She is also the first assistant secretary of energy and environment in New York, associate policy director and climate mitigation lead for New York’s Nature Reserve.
“I am committed to providing meaningful results to strengthening the health and safety of communities across the state, and to protecting the environment and natural resources of future generations,” Lefton said in a statement.
Lefton must be confirmed by a state senator. She replaced Basil Segos, who resigned as DEC commissioner in March 2024. Sean Mahal, vice-chairman under Segos, is currently acting committee member.
Hochul also appointed a proxy committee member for the Human Rights Division on Monday, serving in her full capacity, with Willow Baer serving as the office commissioner for people with developmental disabilities.
