Oregon’s Climate Superfund Bill: A Second Chance
A new effort is underway in Oregon to hold big oil and gas companies accountable for climate change. State Senator Jeff Golden is leading the charge with the reintroduction of the Climate Superfund Bill, which aims to create a disaster fund fed by damages from major polluters.
Similar to laws in New York and Vermont, this bill would target a select group of companies responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Major players like Exxon Mobil and Chevron contribute to about 80% of the world’s emissions over the last decade. The goal is to establish a fund within the Oregon Treasury that can be used for disaster recovery and climate resilience.
In a recent hearing, around 60 people showed up to support the bill, including local officials and residents affected by climate-related disasters. Among them was Talent Mayor Darby Ayers-Flood. She shared her town’s heartbreaking experience after the Almeda Fire devastated a third of it in 2020. Children are still struggling with trauma from the event, and the community has not fully recovered. “Now, it’s about survival,” she said.
Pastor Brennan Guillory from McMinnville added a powerful perspective, stating that while many share responsibility for climate change, only a few have profited greatly. “It is time for those who have benefitted the most to start paying to fix this disaster,” he urged.
Not everyone supports the bill, however. Industry representatives argue that requiring these companies to pay could drive up fuel prices and hinder Oregon’s economic growth. Sharla Moffett, a lobbyist, claimed the bill could weaken the state’s competitiveness.
The bill is inspired by the federal “superfund” law, designed to clean up contaminated sites. If passed, it would allow Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality to assess costs related to natural disasters caused by climate change from 1995 to 2024. This includes fires, floods, and other extreme weather events, linking them directly to the emissions produced by these companies.
A portion of the funds—30%—is earmarked for wildfire prevention, while 40% will support projects that help disadvantaged communities most affected by climate change.
Legal experts believe similar bills have a solid foundation, despite challenges ahead. Geoff Hand, a lawyer from Vermont, noted that these laws can be upheld, highlighting states’ power to protect public health and wellbeing.
In a world increasingly focused on climate change, Oregon’s Climate Superfund Bill could set an important precedent for accountability in the fight against this crisis. With growing concern over natural disasters, the push for responsible action from polluters is more urgent than ever.
For more detailed insights into the impact of climate change and related legislative efforts, visit the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
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