Research

Administrative History

The Bureau of Regulatory Management is responsible for coordinating the implementation and monitoring of DEC's regulatory permit programs to ensure that they are in compliance with the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA): filling new or revised DEC regulations with the Department of State; and serving as the Executive Secretary to the State Environmental Board. The bureau conducts its functions through two sections: Permit Management and Regulatory Services and Information. The former deals mainly with developing policy and providing direction for all permit administration and environmental analysis conducted under the permit management system; the latter is concerned mostly with maintaining DEC's automated permit tracking system and coordinating the review and implementation of new and revised rules and regulations.

The State Environmental Board was established by Chapter 140 of the Laws of 1970. The board consists of sixteen members that include the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, who serves as the board's chairman; the Commissioners of Health, Agriculture and Markets, Commerce, Transportation, Parks and Recreation; the Secretary of State; Chairman of the Public Service Commission; Industrial Commissioner; Commissioner of the State Energy Office; and six members appointed by the governor subject to Senate approval.

The Board assists DEC's Commissioner with the review of agency programs and activities related to the Environmental Conservation Law; facilitates coordination and improvement of agency environmental programs, and formally approves DEC's rules and regulations. The records consist of agendas, board minutes, copies of proposed rules, and internal reports. The Bureau of Regulatory Management serves as the board's executive secretariat.