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Jeshica Patel

Jeshica Patel focuses her practice on government, law, and policy matters with a focus on New York State environmental and energy issues. She has deep experience representing government agencies and authorities on environmental, energy, and agriculture matters, and coordinating legal affairs for state agencies including the Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Public Service, Office of Renewable Energy Siting, New York Power Authority, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Jeshica served as assistant counsel to Governor Kathy Hochul for Energy, Environment, and Agriculture in the New York State Executive Chamber.

New York’s FY 2026–2027 budget reforms SEQRA to accelerate housing and infrastructure through expanded exemptions, updated timelines, and preserved environmental safeguards.
Continue Reading New York’s 2026 Enacted Budget Advances SEQRA Reforms, Promoting Housing Construction and Streamlining Environmental Review Timelines

New York’s 2026 Enacted Budget introduces significant amendments to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, revising greenhouse gas emission targets, updating emissions accounting methodology, and extending the DEC’s regulatory deadline to 2028. Stakeholders with matters before the State may wish to monitor how agencies apply the revised framework, as these changes may materially affect permitting outcomes.
Continue Reading New York Budget Amends the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

On April 28, 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation filed a Notice of Adoption to amend 6 NYCRR Part 617, DEC’s State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations.

Continue Reading NY DEC Finalizes SEQRA Regulations to Implement Environmental Justice Siting Law

On Feb. 12, 2026, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated a new proceeding (Case 26-E-0045) to reform how large electricity users connect to the grid. Case 26-E-0045

Continue Reading New York State Public Service Commission Initiates New Proceeding to Address Interconnection Reforms for Large Loads (Energize NY Development) 

On Oct. 24, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Albany County, issued a decision and order directing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue final regulations establishing economy-wide greenhouse gas emission (GHG) limits on or before Feb. 6, 2026.

Continue Reading Court Requires DEC to Promulgate Regulations in NYS Climate Regulation Case

On Oct. 15, 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released several changes to its environmental remediation program. As part of these changes, DEC has rebranded its work

Continue Reading New York State Environmental Regulator Announces Sustainability Initiative In Connection With Its Remediation and Brownfield Programs