Albany, NY — Today, as Governor Hochul travels to the Vatican for a summit on climate resiliency, the New York State Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee passed the Climate Change Superfund Act, to make fossil fuel polluters pay for costs associated with climate change, including climate resiliency projects.

The legislation would create a 25-year dedicated fund of $3 billion annually, financed by big fossil fuel corporations, with one-third of the funds reserved specifically for disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.

Today’s vote comes one week after the Senate passed the Climate Change Superfund Act by a vote of 43-17. The bill now heads to the Ways & Means Committee.

In response, Food & Water Watch Senior New York Organizer Eric Weltman issued the following statement:

“The climate crisis is a costly one for New York taxpayers, with the price tag for necessary resiliency projects already in the billions of dollars. We applaud Assemblymembers for championing the Climate Change Superfund Act, and advocating that fossil fuel polluters pay for the damage they have wrought. While Governor Hochul touts New York’s climate leadership on the global stage, Speaker Heastie needs to step up to the plate at home. Heastie must waste no time in bringing this critical bill to the Assembly floor for a vote — it’s time to pass the Climate Change Superfund Act.”

Over 100 local elected officials; 240 civic, environmental, labor, public health, and religious organizations; and 180 organizations representing youth support passage of the Climate Change Superfund Act. The bill is a priority in the BPHA Caucus Peoples’ Budget.

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