Governor Kathy Hochul recently stated that poor air quality is the “new normal” for New Yorkers. I got to talk to one resident regarding whether this news may prompt him to leave the region.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) –New Yorkers do not seem ready to budge despite the recent air quality issues.
In spite of Governor Kathy Hochul’s statement a few days ago where she called poor air quality the “new normal” here in New York, some residents aren’t worried.
A New York resident (who asked to remain anonymous) gave his thoughts on potentially leaving the region due to air quality concerns; “Uh no, that has no bearing on it at all, and I think that what we’re seeing with the air quality is more of just a blip in the radar, you know it’s not often that Canada is on fire.”
Air pollution would need to significantly worsen issue in order to consider a move, says this resident.
“It would definitely have to be a health concern, but it would also have to be a long term thing, not something that lasts a week or even a month. It would have to be if we were into years of this being a constant problem.”
Air quality has been suffering across New York State since early June when levels of PM2.5 particles hit dangerous levels due to Canadian wildfires which have been burning since late April.
Fortunately, improvements in air quality over the last few weeks may mean relocating will never be necessary.