DOJ Takes Action: New York Faces Lawsuit Over Climate Change Superfund Act

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act. This act demands that oil and gas companies pay $75 billion for their past greenhouse gas emissions. The DOJ claims this law is unconstitutional and seeks to block it in federal court.

President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order to roll back state laws that he argues harm energy production. This order specifically targets New York’s Superfund Act and similar measures in Vermont, calling them “ideologically motivated” and detrimental to national security.

The lawsuit challenges the law’s claim that companies are “strictly liable” for climate damage. This means they must pay without needing to prove specific environmental harms in court. The state argues that companies releasing over a billion tons of greenhouse gases from 2000 to 2024 should be responsible for their emissions. The payments from these companies will not begin until September 30, 2026, when they can enter a 24-year payment plan.

The law aims to collect $75 billion for local projects like wetland restoration and storm defenses by 2050. However, federal officials argue that it contradicts the Clean Air Act, which gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority over cross-state air pollution. The DOJ asserts that allowing one state to impose global climate rules undermines federal power.

“These burdensome laws threaten American energy independence,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Similarly, Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson emphasized that state overreach could harm national energy security.

State officials, however, defend the Superfund Act as a way to hold polluters accountable rather than burdening taxpayers. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office expressed pride in the law, stating that it ensures those who damage the environment should pay for their impact. Advocates argue that this is about justice for everyday New Yorkers facing rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, a key sponsor of the bill, dismissed the federal suit as political posturing. She stated that the president’s claims don’t invalidate the law. Assemblymember Jeff Dinowitz is also confident that the state will prevail, looking forward to collecting about $3 billion annually to address the environmental cleanup needed due to oil companies’ actions.

In the broader context, climate change continues to be a pressing issue for many Americans. Recent studies show that 70% of voters support government action to curb climate change, reflecting a growing awareness of its impacts. As debates around energy policy and climate accountability evolve, this legal challenge will have significant implications for both state and national policies.

New York’s proactive stance seeks to balance ecological responsibility with economic needs. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to watch how this legal battle impacts both climate initiatives and energy policies across the country.

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