In 2005, NY and six other states establish the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation's first market-based, CO2 cap-and-trade system.

Since 2007, DEC has completed aerial moose surveys in the Adirondacks as part of a collaborative study of the health of NY's moose population.

Since 2008, DEC has achieved 12 consecutive years of dual forest certification for more than 780,000 acres of State Forests.

In 2009 a firewood regulation was enacted to protect NY's forests and community trees from invasive forest pests.

DEC's Saratoga Nursery School Seedling Program began in 1985.

In 1999, DEC establishes the Office of Environmental Justice to address environmental concerns in underserved areas.

In 1992, New York State adopted California's stringent vehicle emissions standards.

In 2015, NYS officially prohibits high-volume hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") in the state through regulation.

The passage and signing of the State Superfund/Brownfields Act in 2003 helped DEC establish a Brownfields Cleanup Program.

DEC's Giant Hogweed Control Program started in 2008. In late April -August, DEC field crews visit confirmed sites and use appropriate control methods.

DEC's public website has been helping people around the world gain a better understanding of the environment since 1997.

In 1988, the Solid Waste Management Act was passed in New York State.

In 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the largest expansion of the Artificial Reef Program in state history.

In 1997, DEC signed a landmark agreement with NYC that formed the basis for managing and protecting the NYC Watershed.

In 1998, DEC established a Pollution Prevention Unit to plan, monitor, manage, coordinate and encourage industries to prevent pollution at its source.

In 2009, the ban on open burning of trash and debris is expanded to all areas of NYS to improve air quality and prevent wildfires.

In 1997, DEC's environmental education summer youth camps program celebrated its 50th anniversary of helping kids make memories that last a lifetime.

In 1984, DEC assumed responsibility for the oil and hazardous substance spill program and established a statewide toll-free hotline to report spills.

In 1991, the use of lead shot was prohibited for waterfowl hunting in NY.

In 2003, the State Waste Tire Management and Recycling Act passed, providing funding to remove waste tires from tire dumps across the state.

In 2002, the urban fishing program, "I Fish NY," began to increase participation in fishing and promote outstanding fishing opportunities in NY.

In 1993, New York created the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) which supports open space and stewardship projects.

In 1984, NY passed the nation's first law to reduce "acid rain" from in-state air pollution sources. DEC is adding soda ash to neutralize acid rain.

In 2017, DEC confirmed a record-breaking number of nesting pairs of bald eagles in the state - 323 pairs.

To encourage recycling and reduce littering, in 1982, New York's "Bottle Bill" was passed - requiring deposits on certain beverage containers.

In 1978, DEC's K-9 program started with one officer and a German shepherd. The program has grown to nine K-9 teams stationed throughout NYS. #DEC50

In 1976, after being nearly eliminated in NY by the late 1960s, DEC started bald eagle restoration efforts.

In 1970, DEC created the first New York endangered species list, to protect the biodiversity and wildlife throughout the state.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was created by legislation on April 22, 1970 and opened it doors on July 1, 1970.