This morning elected officials joined 75 concerned residents and grassroots groups from around the state to rally in support of the Climate Superfund Act, a bill before the state legislature that would make the largest fossil fuel corporations pay for the damages caused by climate change. The bill was introduced by Senators McKeon and Smith, and Assembly Members. Allen, Hall, and Collazos-Gill. The groups participating were part of EmpowerNJ, a coalition fighting fossil fuel projects throughout New Jersey and for a rapid and equitable transition to a renewable economy.

“From deadly heat waves to rising sea levels to ever more intense storms, our planet is in crisis, and we must act now to protect the health and well-being of our communities” said State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues Senators McKeon and Smith in co-sponsoring the Climate Superfund Act so we can finally force the fossil fuel industry to pay to clean up the mess they made and do their part to build a more resilient future for our state.”

The Climate Superfund Act would hold fossil fuel extractors & refiners that do business in New Jersey – responsible for more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas pollution since 1995 – liable for damages for the costs of climate change. It would empower the state treasurer to assess the damages caused by climate change over the past 30 years and charge the Department of Environmental Protection with collecting on those damages. This revenue would fund a new “Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program” that would provide dedicated funding for everything from recovering from destructive climate and weather events to upgrading the transit system and electrical grid.

“Big Oil and Gas got us into this mess — it’s only fair that they pay to help clean it up,” said Matt Smith, NJ State Director for Food & Water Watch.  “Right now, local governments and taxpayers are shouldering the monumental costs of rebuilding after extreme weather like Superstorm Ida. At the same time, the oil and gas industry has invested heavily in lobbying and campaign donations to tilt our political system in its favor, pushing for policies that will make climate change even worse.  We need bold action from our elected officials to hold Big Oil Accountable, adapt to a climate-changed world, and transition equitably to a clean energy economy.”

EmpowerNJ also rallied in support of a squeaky clean energy standard to hasten the transition off of fossil fuels.

“The clock on climate isn’t just ticking – it’s blaring,” said State Senator Raj Mukherji. In overburdened communities, where the impacts hit hardest, the urgency for clean energy is undeniable. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring a 100% Clean Electricity Standard. The bill that passed out of the Senate Environment Committee is a bold measure, building on the momentum of New Jersey’s landmark environmental justice law and leading the nation forward.”

EmpowerNJ also rallied to call for more aggressive action to address environmental injustice and the climate crisis. Of particular concern are a number of bills that would double down on our state’s dependence on dirty fossil fuels while forcing working families to foot the bill. 

“With overburdened communities already experiencing the impacts of climate change, it’s imperative that New Jersey be a leader in pursuing clean energy solutions that put the needs of working families and communities of color at the forefront,” said Anthoinette Miles, New Jersey Working Families State Director. “Big polluters should pay their fair share even as we invest in renewable energy that will improve the health and well-being of children and other vulnerable individuals from Newark to Camden.”

These false solutions would pollute communities of color and low income communities disproportionately, contribute to climate catastrophe, and undermine a rapid, fair transition to a squeaky clean economy. 

“As a proud Newark native and Environmental Justice Organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how corporate polluters have harmed our communities while claiming to offer ‘clean energy solutions.’ We must reject false promises and push for real accountability—especially from the fossil fuel giants that have poisoned our air, water, and soil for decades. The Climate Superfund Act and the push for truly clean energy are crucial steps toward justice for overburdened communities like mine. It’s time we hold polluters accountable and invest in solutions that put people, not profits, first,” said X Braithwaite, Environmental Justice Organizer, Clean Water Action.

Video and photos of the rally available for use here.

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