A former New York environmental leader joins the energy practice at a private law firm

Seggos will work with customers using renewable energy

Author: James M. Odato

Basil Seggos, who stepped down in the spring as the state’s longest-serving commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, has joined the climate and energy department of a multi-office law firm.

Seggos will be based in Manhattan as a partner and senior director of policy at Foley Hoag. The company said it will advise clients on issues related to climate change, clean water, energy and environmental policy, public health, sustainability and safety. His team consists of 35 members and serves entities such as offshore wind farm developers, photovoltaics companies, energy storage companies, renewable fuel producers and infrastructure investors.

He will be part of Foley Hoag’s growing New York office. Founded in Boston, the company 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.

From 2015 to 2024, Seggos worked under two governors and helped expand environmental and recreational facilities in the Adirondack Park, including the Adirondack Rail Trail and Follensby Pond.

He also participated in the passage of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and co-chaired the Climate Action Council, which was tasked with implementing the act.

Seggos participated in developing the state’s cap and invest program and helped introduce the $4.2 billion Clean Water and Clean Air Bond Act.

Foley Hoag also hires Noah Shaw, former general counsel for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

“I look forward to working closely with Foley Hoag’s nationwide team and customers to deliver innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time,” said Seggos.

Before being appointed commissioner, Seggos served Gov. Andrew Cuomo as deputy secretary for the environment and also worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Riverkeeper and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Seggos, a former U.S. Army Reserve officer, recently participated in humanitarian missions on the front lines in Ukraine. He is a visiting fellow at the National Security Institute and a fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

Sean Mahar, DEC’s deputy executive commissioner, has stepped into Seggos’ role and serves as DEC’s interim commissioner.