Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James have announced a new agreement aimed at improving the process for securing and protecting open spaces across New York State. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is designed to streamline legal and administrative reviews for land conservation projects, with the goal of accelerating efforts to preserve water quality, wildlife habitats, working lands, and public access to natural areas.
“Land conservation is one of the primary tools we can use to protect our natural resources,” Governor Hochul said. “At a time when Washington Republicans have launched a full-on assault on the environment, this agreement exemplifies my commitment, and that of Attorney General James and DEC, to advancing critical land acquisitions to ensure New Yorkers have increased and equitable public access to lands, forests and waterways, while still ensuring protective oversight. Together, we will continue to protect our natural resources and support our staff responsible for protecting State lands.”
Attorney General Letitia James stated: “The Office of the Attorney General is proud to work with Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to protect our state’s natural resources and help New York meet its conservation goals long into the future. As the federal government continues to shrink from its responsibility to protect some of our most precious resources, it is critically important that New York secure the ecological balance needed to keep us prosperous and healthy for generations to come.”
The MOA introduces several changes intended to make land acquisition more efficient. One key improvement is expanding the use of commercial title insurance in certain cases. This measure aims to safeguard taxpayer investments while reducing delays associated with lengthy title research during property transactions. By adopting this approach, New York aligns itself with practices used in other states.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), commented: “Protecting our natural resources can help fight climate change, reduce risk from flooding, cool our communities, and ensure richness of our ecosystems for future generations. I applaud Governor Hochul and Attorney General James for their leadership in providing a new tool for DEC to more efficiently secure open spaces to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The process changes outlined in the MOA will streamline the land acquisition process and will move projects quickly to help meet the State’s conservation goals.”
The agreement also clarifies roles between DEC and OAG on conservation projects by establishing procedures for early legal review on high-priority initiatives as well as coordination among agencies and partners.
State Senator Peter Harckham expressed support: “This agreement announced by Governor Hochul and Attorney General James to streamline the process for land and natural resource conservation will allow the DEC to release state funding to break the backlog of acquisitions and further our 30×30 open space law, which will benefit New York residents for generations to come. I am thankful that our state’s leaders are working cooperatively toward these protections.”
Senator Rachel May added: “I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and the leadership at OAG and DEC for the work they have done… Land trusts play a critical role in protecting… Having procedures in place to expedite land acquisition will help them maximize their resources… More than that, having a strong, structured working relationship between OAG and DEC on conservation matters can only be a good thing for the future of our state lands.”
Assemblymember Deborah Glick noted: “The time was well spent developing a process that will help…land trusts carry out land acquisitions more efficiently…this measure allows both [agencies]…to review various aspects…whether complex or straightforward…”
Assemblymember Dana Levenberg stated: “It is critically important that we make it easier for the state to acquire land so that we can add to our open space assets… While [our] legislation did not move forward, I am pleased that it raised…this issue…”
Bill Ulfelder from The Nature Conservancy praised officials’ actions: “The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor Hochul and Attorney General James for establishing a groundbreaking memorandum …to increase pace of land conservation in New York State through responsible …use of title insurance…. With this new policy, New York can deploy critical conservation programs including [the] Environmental Protection Fund …and 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act…”
Tom Duffus from The Conservation Fund said: “The Conservation Fund applauds Governor Hochul, [OAG], [DEC] …for stepping up …for faster results …so important…[to] Climate goals…[and] Open Space Plan…”
Ned Sullivan from Scenic Hudson commented: “We thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James …enabling use of private title insurance in state land acquisitions…. Private title insurance will make partnerships with conservation organizations across state more affordable — great news for taxpayers…”
Tamar Renaud from Trust for Public Land said: “Trust for Public Land commends Governor Hochul, Attorney General James,…for significantly streamlining land acquisition processes so that land trusts …can effectively protect land…”
Erik Kulleseid from Open Space Institute added: “The Open Space Institute is deeply grateful …for their leadership …modernizing New York’s land acquisition practices….”
According to information provided by officials, nearly five million acres have been preserved by DEC through fee or easement arrangements across different management categories. Many acquisitions are guided by the state’s Open Space Conservation Plan as well as supported by the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). In recent budget actions covering fiscal year 2025-26,Governor Hochul increased EPF funding to $425 million—a record amount—intended to support climate mitigation efforts and advance statewide 30×30 goals committing New York to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030.
