Schumer calls for action on climate after Ida flooding

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that extreme flooding in the New York area from Hurricane Ida illustrated the need for concrete legislative action on climate change.

“Woe is us if we don’t recognize these changes are due to climate change. Woe is us if we don’t do something about it quickly,” Schumer said at a press conference with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D).

Schumer touted the climate and resilience provisions in the infrastructure packages currently before Congress. These provisions, he added, could “stop the global warming, or at least reduce its awful effects on this country.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer: “Woe is us if we don’t recognize these changes are due to climate change. Woe is us if we don’t do something about it quickly.” pic.twitter.com/XDHJ5VHcp4

— The Hill (@thehill) September 2, 2021

“When you get two record rainfalls in a week, it’s not just coincidence,” he said. “Global warming is upon us and it’s going to get worse and worse and worse unless we do something about it, and that’s why it’s so important to pass … the infrastructure bill and the budget reconciliation bill.”

The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes more than $1 trillion for renewable energy and climate resilience, but omits some major climate agenda items such as a clean energy standard.

The New York senator vowed to secure as much federal disaster aid as necessary in response to the extreme weather, comparing it to federal efforts after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

“We will fight and make New York declared a disaster area … and that will mean money” for homeowners, business owners and city and local governments, he added, promising to ensure “no stone is left unturned.”

Hurricane Ida moved northeast this week after hitting the Gulf Coast, with at least 22 killed in New York and New Jersey, according to officials. Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) both declared states of emergency Wednesday, which also saw the first-ever flash flood emergency issued for New York City.