Efforts in New York to combat climate change, extreme weather

This weekend on In Focus, a conversation on flood mitigation across Upstate New York as more frequent extreme weather events have taken a toll on infrastructure, homes, businesses, and farmland. Sen. John Mannion sits down with JoDee Kenney to talk about the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force recommendations for the Oswego and Mohawk River Basins. He talked about the benefit $50 million in state funding will provide, supporting a comprehensive advanced mapping project of these watersheds, among other projects. Mannion said addressing every recommendation would require an additional $31 million, and he hopes the continues support by Governor Kathy Hochul on this issue can achieve this. The Senator said as a former AP Biology teacher, he has a unique understanding of the environmental factors involved. Beyond the effects of climate change, the senator said pollutants in runoff are contributing to harmful algal blooms in New York waterways, and invasive species are putting a strain on the natural habitats of plants and animals native to the state. On the impact of climate change, Senator Mannion said he’s confident New York is moving in the right direction, with policies supporting renewable energy production, zero-emission transportation, and pollution reduction.

You can watch the full interview with State Senator John Mannion via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.

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