Paul Tonko: “In the past week, we have seen yet another devastating storm claim the lives and communities of thousands of people in…”

“In the past week, we have seen yet another devastating storm claim the lives and communities of thousands of people in the Philippines as well as a string of tornadoes that cut through 12 States, from New York to Tennessee. These powerful storms last for a matter of days, while recovery from their destruction takes years. Hurricane Irene began as a tropical storm on August 20, 2011. By the time it completed its path on August 29, it had wreaked havoc from Puerto Rico to New England, becoming the seventh most costly hurricane in our Nation's history, while taking 56 lives. The storm lasted a mere 10 days, no more than 36 hours in any one spot; but in my district and other affected areas, people are still recovering more than 2 years later. Infrastructure still needs to be repaired or replaced or improved upon. Businesses have not fully recovered, and many families are still struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives. The costs continue to mount. We have denied our responsibility to deal with climate change for far too long. The time to act is now. ____________________”