N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 15-0309

§ 15-0309. Power to sue.\n The department may bring actions, suits or proceedings as in its\njudgment may be necessary and proper to enable it to perform any of the\nduties imposed upon it by the provisions of this article as amended or\nto prevent the violation by any person or public corporation of any of\nthe provisions thereof; and may defend such actions, suits or\nproceedings as may arise through the performance of any duties or\nfunctions imposed upon it by the provisions of this article as amended.\n