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1 Summary of SEQRA Changes in 2026-2027 Enacted State Budget, TED Part R As part of the 2026-2027 Enacted State Budget, TED Part S, amends the State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQRA, by adding new definitions, creating deadlines for certain agency determinations, establishing a new category of SEQRA-exempt “qualified actions,” and clarifying that these exemptions do not override other applicable federal, state, or local laws, including local zoning and land use authority. The law applies to pending proceedings on and after its effective date, except for actions where a determination requiring an environmental impact statement was made before the effective date. Adds new definitions to ECL § 8-0105 • Adds a definition of “previously disturbed site,” meaning a parcel that: o Has been substantially altered at least two years before the permit or authorization application; o Was altered by an occupied, formerly occupied, or demolished building, or by another improvement or use; o In smaller municipalities outside Census-defined urban areas, abuts, adjoins, or is opposite another parcel that has also been occupied, formerly occupied, improved, or used for at least two years; o Is generally not located in a FEMA 100-year floodplain or special flood hazard area, unless the municipality has adopted elevation requirements for new construction; o Is not currently used for agricultural purposes and has not been used for agricultural purposes during the immediately preceding two years or during three of the last five years; and o Is not located in a designated coastal erosion hazard area. • Adds a definition of “small community water system,” meaning a public water system that serves at least five service connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents, and serves fewer than 3,300 people. • Adds a definition of “public school facilities,” meaning certain educational facilities in New York City under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Education. Creates deadline for initial EIS determination (amends ECL § 8-0109[4]) Updated 5/26/26