N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 48-0107

§ 48-0107. Powers and duties.\n The advisory group shall have the power and duty to:\n 1. adopt a model environmental justice policy applicable generally to\nstate agencies that engage in activities or operations that may have a\nsignificant effect on the environment, including but not limited to\nthrough the adoption of rules and regulations, issuance of permits,\nacquisition or maintenance of property, or approval, funding or\nundertaking of projects. Such policy shall be adopted not later than one\nyear after the effective date of this article. The advisory group shall\ndevelop the model policy in consultation with representatives of\nminority and low-income communities, regulated parties, the\nenvironmental justice interagency coordinating council and other state\nagencies and the public and shall hold a public hearing thereon in each\njudicial department. Notice of such hearings and notice of the adoption\nof the model policy shall be published in the state register;\n 2. make recommendations to the governor, legislature and state\nagencies on measures to improve such policies;\n 3. provide comments on any proposed rule, regulation or policy of a\nstate or federal agency related to environmental justice;\n 4. conduct public hearings with respect to any matter within the scope\nof its functions, powers and duties; and\n 5. adopt, amend and repeal by-laws governing its organization and\noperation.\n