Moran:  “A shift in the mindset"

NEW PALTZ – The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) was enacted in 1976, so that environment impacts are duly considered when projects are building in the state’s cities, towns, villages and rural areas.

During the last decade, though, there has been a serious review of SEQRA. But Thursday, during a conference at SUNY New Paltz, sponsored by the Pattern for Progress, there was plenty said about how SEQRA can be improved and smarter planning.

“The importance of addressing SEQRA is paramount to the future of the Hudson Valley,” said Jonathan Drapkin, CEO and president of Pattern for Progress. “Achieving the right balance between economic development and conserving the environment is necessary – but especially right now in the midst of this recession. There is more pressure than ever upon us to create jobs – and the connection through SEQRA, which is the rule book for approving development.”

Marc Moran, CEO of the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries and former DEC regional director, said SEQRA should be run by those elected or appointed government officials who must manage the planning of a development in their community.

“A shift in the mindset and behavior of those charged with implementing SEQRA might now be a critical component,” said.

 Too often, he said, the process is commandeered by either proponents or opponents of each side of a proposed development.

“I think the SEQRA process is too often captured by advocates. Advocacy is a great, great thing. It has a vital role in public debate and public decision making. It helps SEQRA to have advocates,” said Moran. “Too often advocates for either side argue to extremes. And too often advocates get their way.”

That, he said, can sway elected or appointed officials to step back from complex situations and allow impartiality to suffer.

“Especially when projects are complex or controversial, public officials sometimes, knowingly or not, cede control of the SEQRA process to consultants, or to developers or citizens groups or whatever,” said Moran. “Public officials in the SEQRA process are expected to be honest brokers. Public officials should take the lead and assume more of a role, which to actively manage and shape the SEQRA – so than can clearly evaluate impacts, inform the public and serve public interests.”