Vermont Lawmakers Push Back Against Climate Change Costs with New Superfund Act
In the wake of devastating floods in July 2023 and again a year later, Vermont’s lawmakers are highlighting the growing financial burden of climate change on the state. As families remain displaced and businesses grapple with debt, the Climate Superfund Act, recently passed by the Vermont legislature, aims to tackle the issue head-on.
Co-authored by Rep. Martin LaLonde (D-South Burlington) and Sen. Nader Hashim (D-Brattleboro), the Act operates on a long-established principle: polluters should pay for the damage they cause. This legislation targets some of the largest fossil fuel corporations, which scientists have determined are major contributors to the climate crisis. The lawmakers assert that these companies, who have been aware for decades of the risks posed by their products, should now bear the costs associated with climate-related disasters in Vermont.
However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit challenging the law’s validity, claiming it conflicts with federal legislation and unfairly discriminates against interstate commerce. In response, LaLonde and Hashim emphasize their commitment to a legal and constitutional defense of the Act, believing it will withstand judicial scrutiny.
The Climate Superfund Act has received bipartisan support among Vermonters, reflecting a collective sentiment that fairness dictates those profiting from fossil fuels should contribute to the recovery of communities affected by climate change. The law establishes a thorough, science-based framework to identify which corporations are liable and how much they owe.
As Vermont continues to confront the impacts of climate change, local leaders remain resolute in their pursuit of accountability from those responsible for the crisis, ensuring that taxpayers are not unduly burdened. The state’s dedication to local solutions underscores its historical commitment to protecting citizens and their way of life.
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