For Release: Wednesday, February 6, 2008

DEC Names New Chief to Promote Environmental Equity and Justice in New York State

Lisa Garcia has been named Chief Advocate for Environmental Justice, a new position created by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to spearhead and pursue community-based initiatives in minority or low-income areas across the state, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.

"Lisa has been a strong and proactive advocate for environmental justice issues throughout her career," Grannis said. "I'm delighted to have Lisa join the DEC team in her new role implementing community initiatives and instilling equity and justice issues in all the areas of DEC's mission."

Most recently, Ms. Garcia served as Assistant Attorney General for the New York State Attorney General, where she represented various state agencies in environmental litigation matters and defended New York's Brownfields Cleanup Program. While in that role, Ms. Garcia also spent time on proposals and case work involving environmental justice issues and concerns.

Since receiving her law degree from Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Garcia has built an extensive background in environmental law and advocacy work, including working on international arbitration and federal appeals cases. Other positions Ms. Garcia has held over the past 10 years include Senior Environmental Attorney for New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) and Assistant Clinical Professor for Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic.

Although Ms. Garcia will be based in DEC's Region 2 office in Long Island City, she will work directly for DEC's General Counsel and head the Department's Environmental Justice (EJ) office and anticipates that her work will involve all DEC program areas. She will be responsible for statewide initiatives and outreach programs.

Ms. Garcia said: "I look forward to working closely with Commissioner Grannis and the various programs throughout the agency, as well as communities throughout the state to advance environmental justice and equity. I especially look forward to implementing projects that increase enforcement and focus on reducing pollution in overburdened communities, to help pave the way for healthier communities with open space, waterfront access and green development."

For more information on DEC's Environmental Justice program, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/public/333.html . For photos, go to: ftp.dec.state.ny.us/dpae/press/ .