N.Y. Envtl. Conserv. Law § 15-2901
There is hereby established within the department of environmental conservation a water resources planning council. It shall consist of fifteen members, including the commissioners of agriculture and markets, economic development, environmental conservation, health, transportation, the chair of the public service commission, president of the New York state energy research and development authority, secretary of state and seven members to be appointed by the governor including at least one member who shall have expertise in the science of water resources planning and at least one member selected from a list proposed by public interest or environmental citizens organizations. These seven members shall serve terms of four years each. Two of the members shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the majority leader of the senate and two of the members shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the speaker of the assembly. The governor shall select a chair from among the members. Meetings of the council shall be called by the chair. Members shall receive reimbursement for expenses.
N.Y. Envtl. Conserv. Law § 15-2901