We are talking about environmental conservation and New York’s climate goals this week on In Focus. Assemblymember Anna Kelles joined JoDee Kenney to discuss the Fashion Act. This bill, sponsored by Kelles, aims to hold major clothing labels accountable for their environmental and social impacts. With New York recognized as a major player in global fashion, the assemblymember talked about efforts to grow sustainable fashion practices, saying the industry is responsible for upwards of 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Kelles also talked about efforts to prevent harmful algal blooms in New York waterways that present a danger, not only to people and pets, but sectors of the state’s economy as well. She talked about how runoff, combined with increased water temperatures due to climate change, have made these harmful algal blooms more prevalent. Kelles is pushing for increased funding to better understand the causes and identify ways to mitigate them.

You can watch the full interview with Assemblymember Anna Kelles via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.