Basil Seggos will work with renewable energy clients
By James M. Odato
Basil Seggos, who this spring stepped down as the state’s longest-serving commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, has joined the climate and energy section of a law firm with multiple offices.
Seggos will be based in Manhattan as a partner and senior policy director for Foley Hoag. The firm said he will advise clients on matters involving climate change, clean water, energy and environmental policy, public health, sustainability and security. His team has 35 members and serve entities such as offshore wind developers, solar companies, energy storage businesses, renewable fuel producers and infrastructure investors.
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He will be part of the Foley Hoag’s growing New York office. Started in Boston, the firm also has offices in Washington, D.C., Denver and Paris.
Foley Hoag Managing Partner Jim Bucking called Seggos “a force” in the international environmental community. “His policy and regulatory expertise will complement and enhance our market-leading energy and climate practice,” Bucking said.
Related reading: Longest-serving DEC commissioner reflects on Adirondack impacts
Seggos worked under two governors, from 2015 to 2024, and helped add environmental and recreation assets in the Adirondack Park, including the Adirondack Rail Trail and Follensby Pond.
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He also had a hand in the passage of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and co-chaired the Climate Action Council charged with implementing the act.
Seggos took part in the design of the state’s “cap and invest” program and helped usher the $4.2 billion Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act.
Foley Hoag also employs Noah Shaw, former general counsel with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
“I look forward to working closely with Foley Hoag’s nationwide team and clients to deliver innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time,” Seggos said.
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Before being named commissioner, Seggos served Gov. Andrew Cuomo as deputy secretary for the environment, and worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Riverkeeper and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
A former officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, Seggos more recently participated in humanitarian missions on the front lines in Ukraine. He is a visiting fellow at the National Security Institute and a fellow at the American College of Environmental Lawyers. He received a juris doctorate from The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.
Sean Mahar, the DEC’s executive deputy commissioner, stepped into Seggos’ role and is the interim commissioner of the DEC.
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More revolving door abuse.
While I thank Seggos for his military service he has done no justice to the working stiffs who are unable to leave New York State for better (not to be confused with greener) pastures. Thomas Jorling, a former DEC commissioner, left the DEC for International Paper Company many years ago and I’m not aware that he made any significant contributions to IP’s bottom line.
Offshore wind projects, solar power projects, energy storage businesses and renewable fuel producers all significantly damage the environment and most of these ventures are not economically viable over the long-term. Seggos isn’t doing the general public any favors in his new role; he’ll just be enriching the people and companies who feed at the public trough.
Sorry Mr. Seggos but you don’t have me fooled.