Letter from Senator Griffo to U.S. Federal Government calls for action in addressing air quality and public health concerns from Canadian wildfires

ALBANY, NY- A second round of smoke and hazy air prompted air quality alerts again recently for much of our North Country listening region and one state lawmaker is reaching out to federal officials to take action amidst the wildfires across parts of Canada that rage on.

"While I recognize that we have no control over when natural disasters may occur, I am urging your administration to continue to work bilaterally with the Canadian government to further address these wildfires," Senator Joe Griffo said in a written letter soon to be delivered to President Biden.

"Simply advising people to stay indoors and to limit their time outside is not enough. Further action is needed that will finally resolve this issue, better protect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, Americans and Canadians and allow for recreational activities and outdoor events to take place safely this summer."

In the letter, Griffo says his main focus is to express a need for the American and Canadian governments to work together to resolve the wildfire issue quickly to better protect public health and to ensure that outdoor activities are able to safely take place this summer.

For several weeks, many residents of and visitors to New York, as well as other states, have been advised at times to limit outdoor activities due to poor and potentially harmful air quality related to wildfires in Canada.

Joe Griffo image.