SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On February 21, 2025, The Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California (CSHC) announced its support for the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025 (SB 684 and AB 1243). Teaming up with the Center for Biological Diversity and California Environmental Voters, this legislation aims to tackle the financial burdens that climate-related disasters place on Californians. It proposes that fossil fuel companies should be responsible for paying for the damages caused by their emissions.
Darryl Molina Sarmiento, the Executive Director for Communities for a Better Environment and a CSHC Steering Committee member, stated, “For too long, Big Oil has profited while exacerbating the climate crisis. It’s time they take responsibility for the harm they’ve done.” This new bill seeks to create accountability for corporations that have negatively impacted California’s environment.
Wildfires in California, fueled by climate change, have worsened due to extreme drought and heat waves. In Southern California alone, recent fires destroyed over 10,000 structures and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, costing the state an estimated $250 billion.
The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act aims to charge a fee to the largest fossil fuel polluters based on their emissions since 1990. This step seeks to alleviate the mounting costs of frequent climate disasters that have burdened families and the state.
Research has shown that oil companies knew about climate risks as early as the 1950s. Rather than acting, they misled the public, delaying necessary action and harming California’s environment and residents.
The legislation includes several key points:
- CalEPA is directed to conduct a study to calculate climate damage costs through 2045.
- It will identify top polluters and impose fees based on their historical emissions.
- Funds collected will support projects to combat climate-related rate increases and prioritize disadvantaged communities.
Martha Dina Argüello, a CSHC Steering Committee member, expressed pride in teaming up with various community leaders to support this bill. She emphasized the importance of holding Big Oil accountable for their actions that have harmed vulnerable communities.
Other states, like New York, have also begun to push similar climate accountability measures. This growing movement reflects a nationwide demand for action against pollution and its impact on local communities.
California has always been a leader in climate policy. The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act reinforces this commitment, providing crucial support to families and communities that suffer from climate change’s effects.
“This is a critical moment for California. It’s time for our leaders to take action and hold responsible parties accountable for the climate crisis,” said Mabel Tsang, Political Director for California Environmental Justice Alliance. “It’s our moral duty to ensure that polluters pay for the damages they’ve caused.”
To learn more about the campaign to hold polluters accountable, visit CAvsBigOil.com/makepolluterspay.
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Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California,Environmental Products & Services ,Advocacy Group Opinion,Environmental Issues,Environmental Policy
