Is Butler County ready to address climate change?
Is Butler County prepared to tackle climate change?
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has been conducting public hearings this month while working on a special report about Pennsylvania's preparedness for climate change.
“The climate crisis will impact public health and safety, disrupt our economy and create new burdens on taxpayers,” DePasquale said. “In light of how little serious work is being done about the crisis at the national level, it's up to states to make certain they're prepared for these potentially devastating impacts.”
Shawn Davis, a Slippery Rock University assistant professor of parks and conservation, said Butler County residents can see the effects of climate change in the weather especially. He said inclement weather has primarily shown through an increase in the number of high impact events.
Butler County Emergency Services Director Steve Bicehouse said county emergency services are familiar and prepared for the typical array of severe weather conditions.
He said harsh storms this year proved the county has good systems in place already.
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