Albany, NY — On Tuesday, the New York State Senate passed the Climate Change Superfund Act, for the second year in a row, by a vote of 43-17. The legislation would create a 25-year dedicated fund of $3 billion annually, financed by big fossil fuel corporations, to pay for costs associated with the climate crisis. One-third of the funds would be reserved specifically for disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.

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

“While New Yorkers brace for the rising and costly impacts of climate change, fossil fuel profiteers are reaping record profits. It’s time these Big Oil corporations paid to clean up their mess. The Climate Change Superfund Act would do just that, redistributing polluters’ wealth to aid communities struggling with the devastating effects of the climate crisis. We applaud the Senate for their leadership, and call on the Assembly to stop protecting Big Oil at New Yorkers’ expense — it’s time to pass the Climate Change Superfund Act.”

Over 100 local elected officials, and hundreds of civic, environmental, labor, public health, youth, and religious organizations support passage of the Climate Change Superfund Act. The bill is a priority in the BPHA Caucus Peoples’ Budget.