Yesterday, the Assembly version of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act passed out of its first California Assembly Committee – the Natural Resource Committee – in a 9-4 vote.

The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act is a vital bill that would require fossil fuel corporations to pay for the climate devastation they have contributed to across California. 

Over 100 Californians rallied outside of the hearing and then expressed support for the bill during public comment. 

Food & Water Watch California Director Nicole Ghio released the following statement: 

“Longer, drier fire seasons, rising temperatures and extreme flooding are all stark reminders that Californians are already experiencing unprecedented devastation from fossil fuel driven climate change. And everyday Californians are left footing the clean up bill after these climate disasters instead of the polluting industries that raked in billions in profits while denying and fueling the crisis. 

“California needs funds to prepare for and clean up after climate disasters. But the Musk-Trump administration’s looting and privatization of public resources and politicization of relief means we cannot rely on support from the federal government when disaster strikes. That’s why common sense legislation like the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act is vital for ensuring our state has the necessary resources to protect Californians from the ravages of climate change. We applaud the Assembly Natural Resource Committee for passing this important bill out of committee.”