Too often, the very projects that would be a net benefit for the environment and the community get ensnared in lengthy, unpredictable, and costly environmental reviews and challenges. 

SEQRA’s broad rules let just one local opponent stop or slow the new homes we need—even after local approval and including for moderately-sized infill housing projects that historically have had no environmental impacts. SEQRA also makes it hard to build housing in the right places, like our downtowns and near our transit centers. Without reforms, SEQRA will continue to create sprawl, increasing our climate emissions and encroaching on our wilderness.

Albany is currently considering two reforms: first, a “shot clock” for SEQRA reviews of housing, capping them at two to three years to allow for a full discussion of all the issues arising from an impact statement but avoiding the unpredictable, years-long timelines for review that push off progress while ultimately driving up costs. 

Second, providing special consideration for moderately-sized infill housing on previously developed land to be built outside environmentally sensitive areas and with existing hook-ups to community or public water or sewer.

These reforms to SEQRA will cut red tape while strengthening our environmental protections, making it easier to build the projects that we know we need to lower the cost of housing and utilities while addressing our changing climate. Urge our state leaders to pass them this year!