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How New York State Is Defying Donald Trump’s Plans to Roll Back Climate Action
New York has taken a bold step in the face of potential federal rollback by passing a landmark law aimed at holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in causing climate change. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the Climate Change Superfund Act into law, which requires the biggest multinational oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund that will be used for infrastructure projects designed to protect New Yorkers from increasingly severe weather events.
The move is significant as it directly challenges President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw from the Paris agreement and dismantle federal environmental protections. Under Trump’s administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was severely weakened, with over 100 environmental regulations rolled back. However, this latest development shows that states are not willing to stand idly by while the federal government undermines climate action.
The new law is modeled after existing state and federal laws that hold companies responsible for toxic waste sites they leave behind. This time, however, it’s fossil fuel companies that will be forced to pay for their part in causing climate disasters. The fund generated by this law is expected to collect $75 billion over the next 25 years.
New York Senator Liz Krueger has hailed the move as a major victory, stating that it is essential for reducing the future tax burden on New Yorkers. According to NYPIRG Executive Director Blair Horner, the act will reduce annual tax burdens by an estimated $3 billion.
The passing of this law comes at a critical time when climate change-induced extreme weather events are expected to cost New York state half a trillion dollars in preparation and recovery efforts by 2050. It is not just a matter of economic concerns; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
This move sends a strong message that states will not be deterred by federal inaction, and that they are willing to take matters into their own hands when it comes to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
Source: www.theverge.com
