2025 Environmental Regulation and Sustainability Conference


October 30, 2025 - October 31, 2025

The Saratoga Springs City Center

Saratoga Springs

Registration is closed

PREMIER SPONSOR

Phillips Lytle LLP Logo

GOLD SPONSORS

Kinder Morgan Logo
National grid Logo

ABOUT

In addition to covering Environmental Regulations, we will be expanding the agenda for our long-running Industry-Environment Conference to include sessions on environmental sustainability policy and practices for New York businesses, including Renewable Energy.

SPONSORS

Lippes Mathias LLP Logo
National Fuel Logo
Haley & Aldrich Logo
Barclay Damon Logo
D&B Engineers and Architects Inc Logo
American Chemistry Council Logo
New York Transco Logo
Hodgson Russ Logo

AGENDA

Thursday, October 30  
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Registration
Continental Breakfast

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks

  • David Flynn, Partner [BIO]
    Phillips Lytle LLP
  • Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President [BIO]
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Overview of NYS Environmental Sustainability Policy and Issues

Moderator:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO}
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Panelists:

  • John Hodges, Partner-Principal, Climate Change and Sustainability Services [BIO]
    Ernst & Young LLP
  • Michael Littlejohn, Founder and Managing Director
    Sustainability Services Group
  • Peter Lopez, Executive Director of Policy Advocacy and Science [BIO]
    Scenic Hudson

12:00 - 1:30 pm.

Luncheon & Featured Speaker

Emcee:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO}
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Advancing Business Sustainability in a Changing Regulatory Environment

  • Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability [BIO]
    U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

"All Available Options" - Renewable and Alternative Energy Policy

Moderator:

  • Bart Franey, Vice President of Clean Energy Development [BIO]
    National Grid

Panelists:

  • Rich Barlette, Director, State Government Affairs [BIO]
    Constellation
  • Don Boyajian, Director of Government Affairs & Counsel
    Plug Power
  • Marguerite Wells, Executive Director
    Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY)
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Achieving Sustainability & Equity in Economic Development

Moderator:

  • Thomas S. Berkman, Partner [BIO]
    Hodgson Russ LLP 

Panelists:

  • Patrick Foster, Deputy Commissioner for Sustainable Development [BIO]
    NYS DEC
  • Zeryai Hagos, Executive Director [BIO]
    NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting
  • Jeshica Patel, Associate [BIO]
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director [BIO]
    New York State Economic Development Council
3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream & Refreshment Break
3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

DEC Environmental Quality/Regulatory Program Updates

 

Moderator:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO}
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Panelists:

  • Richard Clarkson, Director, Divisions of Materials Management [BIO]
  • Carol Lamb-Lafay, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Water Resources [BIO]
    NYS DEC
  • Anthony Luisi, Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel [BIO]
    NYS DEC
  • Sanjay Seth, Deputy Commissioner for Climate, Air, and Energy [BIO]
    NYS DEC

Speakers tentative, subject to change

5:00 p.m. Wrap-Up / Adjourn
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception

 

Friday, October 31  
8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Registration
Continental Breakfast
8:45 a.m.

Welcome and Announcement

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

EJ/DAC/SEQR/CLCPA - Update on Permit and Project Reviews

 

Moderator:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO}
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Panel 1 - DEC:

  • Adriana Espinoza, Acting Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice, Office of Environmental Justice [BIO]
    NYS DEC
  • Patrick Foster, Deputy Commissioner for Sustainable Development [BIO]
    NYS DEC

Panel 2 - Practitioners:

  • Yvonne Hennessey, Partner [BIO]
    Barclay Damon LLP
  • David Murtha, Consulting Director [BIO]
    ERM Consulting & Engineering, Inc.
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Emerging Contaminants - Setting Regulatory and Funding Priorities

Moderator:

  • Berj Parseghian, Partner [BIO]
    Lippes Mathias LLP

Panelists:

  • Khristopher Dodson, Executive Director [BIO]
    New York Water Environment Association
  • Jonathan Gledhill, President
    Policy Navigation Group
  • Jay West, Senior Director, Chemical Products and Technology [BIO]
    American Chemistry Council
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Luncheon & Keynote Address

 

Emcee:

  • Allen Fore, Vice President, Public Affairs [BIO]
    Kinder Morgan, Inc.

Keynote Address

  • Amanda Lefton, Commissioner [BIO]
    NYS DEC
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Remedial Program Update - 2025 Legislative Changes, Part 375 Updates, Future of BCP

 

Moderator:

  • Thomas F. Walsh, Partner [BIO]
    Barclay Damon LLP

Panelists:

  • David Flynn, Partner [BIO]
    Phillips Lytle LLP
  • Michael C. Murphy, Associate Attorney, Office of General Counsel
    NYS DEC
  • Linda Shaw, Partner [BIO]
    Knauf Shaw LLP
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

CLCPA Implementation - Policy and Advocacy Update

  • Kendra Hems, President [BIO]
    Trucking Association of New York
  • Jeffrey Mirel, Principal [BIO]
    The Rosenblum Companies
  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO]
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Legislative Update: 2025 Review & Key Issues for 2026

 

Moderator:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO}
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Panelists:

  • John Bartow, Executive Director [BIO]
    Empire State Forest Products Association
  • Maryann McCarthy, Senior Advisor [BIO]
    Brown & Weinraub Advisors, LLC
  • Jeshica Patel, Associate [BIO]
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Jim Walsh, Partner [BIO]
    Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
3:45 - 4:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President [BIO]
    The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Speakers tentative, subject to change

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Full Registration Before 10/10/25 After 10/10/25
Member $449 $499
Non-Member $549 $599

Registration is Closed

Can't make it to the full conference? Single Day and single event pricing are also available

Single Day Pricing- not available through online registration. Must email or call Maribeth Riley to register at single day rate.

Daily Prices- Member Before 10/10/25 After 10/10/25
Thursday Only $269 $299
Friday Only $199 $229

 

Daily Prices- Non-Member Before 10/10/25 After 10/10/25
Thursday Only $319 $349
Friday Only $249 $279
*Single event pricing is also available. Attend our welcome reception, luncheon or sessions. Please contact Maribeth Riley at (518) 694-4468 to register.

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy: You may cancel your registration up to October 9th. You will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received on or after October 10th will not be eligible for a refund. The Business Council encourages you to send a substitute in your place if you cannot attend..

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Premier

SOLD OUT

Lunch (One Available)

$4,000

Silver

$3,000

Continental Breakfast (Two Available)

$2,500

Wine at Reception SOLD OUT
Bronze 

$2,000

Gold $5,000
Welcome Reception

$3,000

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Break

SOLD OUT

Internet  $2,500
Refreshment Station (One Available)

$2,000

Session $1,000

Become a sponsor of the Environmental Regulation and Sustainability Conference to show your organization's commitment to environmental responsibility and gain visibility with business leaders, regulators, and sustainability professionals. It's a great opportunity to showcase your commitment to sustainability and influence the future of environmental policy and business practices. 

Click Here to View Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits

EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES

Showcase what makes your organization among the best New York has to offer. Our exhibits will be open throughout the Conference. We build in exclusive time for attendees to mingle with exhibitors and where else can you put your product and brand in front of the state’s leading environmental voices? Nowhere! Exhibitors receive one complimentary registration, plus up to two discounted registrations. and you get access to pre-and-post Conference Attendee lists.

Exhibitor Benefits:

  • Includes one skirted table, two chairs, electric and internet access
  • One complimentary registration, plus up to two discounted registrations
  • Access to post conference attendee lists
  • Recognition in promotional emails leading up to conference
  • Opportunity to give away promotional item at exhibit booth. Item provided by exhibitor.
  • Company logo on conference website and BCNYS event app.

 

NYISO Exhibit Table

Standard Table $1,500

EXHIBITORS

Environmental Operations Logo

HOTEL INFORMATION

Overnight reservations should be made directly with The Saratoga Hilton. 

Hotel Deadline: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Click here for the hotel reservation link 

Hotel cancellation policy: Cancellations must be made 48 prior to the arrival date. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival will forfeit one night's room and tax. Please refer to your hotel confirmation email for more information.