In a significant development for New York City's environmental leadership, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala has submitted his resignation. The veteran government official, who was appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams, announced his departure in a letter to staff on Wednesday.
Transition Timeline and Leadership Changes
According to reports from ABC News, Aggarwala stated in his resignation letter: "The Deputy Mayor has asked me to stay on briefly to ensure a smooth transition, but I expect my final day at DEP will be January 30, 2026." This resignation follows closely on the heels of another high-profile departure, as Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol notified Mayor Zohran Mamdani just one day earlier that he would be stepping down in early February.
Climate Focus During Tenure
Both Aggarwala and Iscol made combating the effects of climate change central to their administrations, with particular emphasis on addressing increasing flooding risks in the metropolitan area. Their coordinated focus on environmental resilience marked a significant period in New York City's climate policy implementation.
Aggarwala's Professional Background
Rohit Aggarwala brings extensive experience in urban policy and climate leadership to his role. Before joining the Department of Environmental Protection in February 2022, he served as New York City's Chief Climate Officer from 2022 to 2025. During this period, he oversaw comprehensive citywide climate planning and implementation of Local Law 97, landmark legislation addressing building emissions.
Previous Leadership Roles
Aggarwala's career includes significant positions at prominent organizations:
- Leadership roles at Sidewalk Labs, a Google-affiliated urban innovation company
- Strategic positions at Bloomberg Associates
- Contributions to C40 Cities, a global network of mayors addressing climate change
His educational background is equally impressive, having earned a PhD from Columbia University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Early education reportedly included studies at St. Stephen School, though specific details about his schooling remain limited.
Bloomberg Administration Connection
Notably, Aggarwala's government service extends back to the Bloomberg administration, providing him with nearly two decades of experience in New York City governance. This continuity across multiple administrations gave him unique insight into the city's evolving environmental challenges and policy responses.
Successor Appointment Expected
With Aggarwala's departure confirmed, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to name a successor in the near future. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for New York City's climate initiatives, particularly as the city continues to implement ambitious environmental regulations and adapt to increasing climate-related challenges.
The back-to-back resignations of two key climate-focused commissioners within days of each other suggests potential shifts in the city's environmental governance approach. As New York faces growing threats from sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and urban heat islands, the leadership of the Department of Environmental Protection remains crucial to the city's resilience strategy.
