From Mother Jones · Rachel Santarsiero · · 1m 40s
Judges strike climate laws as states fight back
New York’s climate law faces federal court rejection, but states push for polluter-funded climate resilience.
In brief
New York’s climate law faces federal court rejection, but states push for polluter-funded climate resilience. New York’s climate superfund law was struck down by federal judges, but Minnesota, Washington, Connecticut, and Vermont are advancing similar legislation to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate…
New York climate law struck down
A federal judge ruled New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act unconstitutional.
Why the law was struck down
The law overstepped state authority by preempts federal clean air act and interferes with foreign affairs.
Similar state challenge
Republican-led states and fossil fuel companies challenged the law in parallel court case.
New York law’s goal
Charge fossil fuel companies $75 billion over 25 years for climate adaptation projects.
Minnesota’s response
Minnesota introduced climate superfund bill to address $20 billion climate costs by 2040.
State lawmakers’ dilemma
Lawmakers must change bills or defend them in court after new york rulings.
Washington’s strategy
Washington uses existing climate laws to avoid legal pitfalls in new superfund bill.
Connecticut’s plan
Connecticut calculates emissions share for payment to fund stormwater and flood projects.
Vermont’s progress
Vermont passed climate law after 2023 flash flooding and extreme weather events.
Federal pushback
DOJ challenges new york and vermont climate laws as federal responsibility.
Boulder lawsuit
Boulder sues suncor and exxonmobil over climate liability in supreme court.
State support
Brown study shows 3-to-1 public support for climate superfund laws.
Vermont’s resolve
Vermont lawmakers say fossil fuel industry won’t deter their climate law progress.
What happens next
States push climate superfund laws despite federal legal challenges.
The key point
New York’s climate superfund law was struck down by federal judges, but Minnesota, Washington, Connecticut, and Vermont are advancing similar legislation to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate damage.
