ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo named Open Space Institute President Joseph Martens as the new commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The appointment has the backing of Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson.

“He understands the importance of striking the balance between economic development, job creation and protection of the environment and how these go hand in hand and reinforce each other,” he said.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who while in the state Assembly served as chairman of the EnCon Committee, said Martens’ appointment is “an outstanding decision.”