Hochul urged to approve NY bill holding Big Oil accountable for climate costs

Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing pressure from New Yorkers and environmental campaigners to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act, a bill that passed state legislators in the early hours of Saturday morning. The act establishes a 25-year fund financed by fossil fuel companies to address the climate emergency, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Groups like NYPIRG and Empire State Indivisible are urging Gov. Hochul to promptly sign the bill into law to hold Big Oil accountable for the damage caused by climate change.

While supporters are hopeful that Gov. Hochul will sign the act, they also express disappointment over the Assembly’s failure to pass other critical bills, like the NY HEAT Act, which aims to limit reliance on gas. Campaigners stress the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to address the climate crisis and cut energy costs for New Yorkers. As the state’s environmental challenges persist, the call for action on key issues continues.

Overall, the passage of the Climate Change Superfund Act represents a significant step forward in holding polluters accountable and investing in a more sustainable future for New York.