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How New York State is Defying Donald Trump’s Plans to Roll Back Climate Action
In a bold move, the state of New York has taken matters into its own hands by introducing landmark legislation aimed at holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Change Superfund Act, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, sets a powerful precedent in the fight against climate change, effectively defying Donald Trump’s plans to roll back climate action.
As Trump is set to take office once again, his administration has promised to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and initiate a deregulatory spree, which could have devastating consequences for the environment. However, New York’s bold move sends a strong message that states will not be silenced or deterred by federal inaction.
The new law requires multinational oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund that will support infrastructure projects designed to protect residents from increasingly catastrophic climate disasters such as storms and sea level rise. The legislation is expected to generate $75 billion over the next 25 years, significantly reducing New Yorkers’ future tax burden by $3 billion annually.
This move comes on the heels of Trump’s track record on environmental regulations. During his previous tenure, he revoked more than 100 environmental regulations, promising “swift deregulatory decisions” at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His administration has also expressed plans to rescind any unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a massive spending package that allocated $369 billion for climate action and clean energy technologies.
New York’s Climate Superfund Act is not its first attempt to make up for lost ground in the fight against climate change. In 2019, the state passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. Despite the slow progress since then, this latest legislation demonstrates the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The move is also part of a larger trend that emerged during Trump’s first presidency and is poised to continue into his second term. Vermont has already passed its own Climate Superfund law, while similar legislation has been introduced in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and on the federal level.
New York’s bold action serves as a beacon of hope for climate activists who are increasingly looking to state governments to take matters into their own hands. As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of climate change, it is imperative that all levels of government act with urgency and resolve.
In conclusion, New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act is a powerful rebuke of Trump’s administration’s plans to roll back climate action. The legislation demonstrates the state’s determination to protect its citizens and environment from the impacts of climate change, even in the face of federal inaction.
Source: www.theverge.com
