The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requires every state and local agency in New York to give equal consideration to environmental protection, human and community resources, and economic factors when considering proposed actions (adopting land use plans, sub-dividing land, building a housing development or roadway, filling wetlands, issuing a variance, etc.). The SEQR process provides a comprehensive assessment of a proposed project in order to avoid significant adverse environmental impacts. The process also provides opportunities for communication between local and state agencies, citizens, and project sponsors. Before any agency makes a decision to approve, undertake or fund a private or public project, it must complete the SEQR assessment.
