Albany, NY — Late last night, after a swell of grassroots pressure, the New York State Assembly passed the Climate Change Superfund Act by a vote of 95-46, to make fossil fuel polluters pay for costs associated with climate change, including climate resiliency projects. The Senate passed the bill in May; it now requires Governor Hochul’s signature to become law.

In response, Food & Water Watch Senior New York Organizer Eric Weltman issued the following statement:

“The Climate Change Superfund Act is the legislation New Yorkers need right now. We applaud the Assembly for coming to their senses in the final hours of the legislative session and passing this critical bill.

“Now, Governor Hochul, fresh off a spineless congestion pricing reversal that scandalized New Yorkers, needs to get back to work and make this landmark legislation the law of the land. It’s time to make polluters pay, and it’s time Governor Hochul acted as the climate leader she promised the Pope she would be. Hochul desperately needs to look good — signing this legislation is the perfect opportunity to do something right for a change.”

The Climate Change Superfund Act creates a 25-year dedicated fund of $3 billion annually, financed by big fossil fuel corporations, with one-third of the funds reserved specifically for disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. Last month, Vermont became the first state in the nation to enact a similar Climate Superfund Act.