A Hudson Valley state lawmaker will be leading major decisions made on environmental conservation.

State Sen. Pete Harckham (D) was appointed chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation.

The Democrat represents the 40th Senate District in northern Westchester and Putnam counties.

Among Harckham's priorities will be protecting drinking water supplies, reducing plastic waste and evaluating chemicals, pesticides and toxins that pose risks to human health.

The announcement comes as the state Senate begins a new session in Albany.

Last session, Harckham chaired the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee.