Episode 127: What the New SEQRA Reforms Mean for New York's Future

New York has enacted the most significant reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in nearly 50 years—but what do these changes actually mean for housing, infrastructure, and the future of development across the state?On Episode 127 of Building Knowledge, host Jeff Hanley is joined by Joshua Berman, Campaigns Director for the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and a leader with the Unlock New York's Future coalition, to break down the sweeping SEQRA reforms signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her "Let Them Build" agenda.Together, they discuss why the previous SEQRA process often delayed housing, clean energy, transit, and infrastructure projects, and how the new reforms aim to streamline environmental reviews, reduce unnecessary red tape, lower construction costs, and accelerate the development of much-needed housing.The conversation also explores:How the reforms could reshape housing development across New York.What Unit Caps are and why they matter.How communities could benefit from faster infrastructure projects.An overview of the Welcome Home Westchester Coalition's August 5 webinar on the new law.Whether additional SEQRA reforms may still be needed in the future.If you're interested in housing policy, land use, economic development, or the future of building in New York, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the state's biggest policy changes in decades.