Gov. Wolf announces new state plan to help fight flooding caused by climate change

Gov. Wolf announces new state plan to help fight flooding caused by climate change’

By Gabi Falk, WLVR Lehigh University Intern

December 3, 2020

Governor Tom Wolf yesterday announced statewide goals in an effort to combat flooding caused by storms due to climate change. 

The state has seen a 10% increase in average yearly precipitation over the last century. Wolf says expects that number to increase another 8% by 2050. 

“I want to be at the forefront of the fight to mitigate this, including by setting Pennsylvania’s first state wide climate goals.”

Wolf says efforts include developing recommendations for stormwater management to reduce flash flooding that affects residents and businesses.  He is also promoting developing investment strategies towards hazard mitigation and asking all state agencies to help fight climate change. 

“Pennsylvanias cannot afford to wait any longer,” Wolf said. “We need to work together to make sure that Pennsylvania has the tools it needs to protect residents, businesses and critical infrastructure in the face of these increasingly dangerous and costly severe weather events.” 

Wolf says he also plans to refurbish the decades-old infrastructure that does not meet the needs of today’s climate. 

This story is part of a collaboration between WLVR News and Lehigh University’s Department of Journalism & Communication. View all student stories.

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