New Yorkers across the state are under storm watches today, at risk of heavy downpours, flooding, and high wind gusts, while an air quality alert has been issued for New York City. Much of the state is also under an extreme heat warning for the coming days.

Flooding damage in the Hudson Valley last summer cost upwards of $100 million dollars, with some estimates reaching into the billions. The Climate Change Superfund Act, which awaits Gov. Hochul’s signature after Assembly passage last week, would make climate polluters pay some of those costs, not taxpayers.

Food & Water Watch Northeast Region Director Alex Beauchamp issued the following statement:

“The climate crisis is here in New York. Look no further than flooding, high winds and extreme heat all in one week to get a preview of life on our burning planet. The costs to prepare for, and recover from, extreme weather are astronomical. It’s time the fossil fuel companies that drilled and fracked our way into this crisis foot the bill. Governor Hochul must waste no time in signing the Climate Change Superfund Act into law now.”