Mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to announce Lisa Garcia as the new commissioner of the city Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the decision.
New Leadership for the DEP
Garcia previously held the position of Region 2 administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency during the Biden administration. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing environmental matters in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Tribal Nations.
Garcia has publicly opposed actions taken by the Trump administration that reduced funding and staffing at the EPA, and participated in protests against these cuts.
A trained lawyer, Garcia’s career has focused on environmental advocacy, with prior positions at the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the environmental law nonprofit Earthjustice.
Transition at the Department
Garcia will replace Rohit Aggarwala, who announced his departure from the DEP on Wednesday.
The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for delivering drinking water to New Yorkers via a network of reservoirs and pipelines. It also manages the city’s sewer system, works to prevent flooding, and monitors air and noise pollution.
Neither Garcia nor a City Hall spokesperson responded to requests for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa Garcia?
Lisa Garcia is the former Region 2 administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency, appointed under President Joe Biden. She has a background as a lawyer and in environmental advocacy.
What does the DEP do?
The Department of Environmental Protection delivers clean drinking water, manages the sewer system, works to mitigate flooding, and monitors air quality and noise in New York City.
Who is Rohit Aggarwala?
Rohit Aggarwala is the current DEP Commissioner who announced his departure from the agency on Wednesday.
How might a new DEP commissioner influence the city’s environmental policies and initiatives?