Over 100 NJ Organizations Rally for Climate Superfund Act: A Call to Action for Lawmakers!

Trenton, NJ (May 28, 2025) — Over 100 organizations in New Jersey are urging Governor Murphy and state lawmakers to support the Climate Superfund Act. This bill aims to make the largest fossil fuel companies pay for the climate damage they’ve caused in the state.

The EmpowerNJ coalition, which organized the initiative, highlights that the bill has already passed environmental committees in both chambers of the legislature. It has attracted support from nearly 40 lawmakers and more than 30 municipalities.

“New Jersey communities have been dealing with rising costs from climate disasters for too long,” said Matt Smith, from Food & Water Watch. “This bill simply demands that polluters pay for the mess they’ve made. With federal funding cuts for climate initiatives, the state must take action now.”

Ana Maria Hill, from 32BJ SEIU, added, “Endorsing the Climate Superfund Act is about fairness. The companies responsible for pollution should face the costs of their actions. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it affects our economy and political landscape too.”

Concerns are especially high among Latino communities. Javier Robles, President of the Latino Action Network, pointed out that these communities often live in areas vulnerable to extreme weather. “It’s about time these big oil companies contribute to managing the costs of climate change,” he stated.

Winn Khuong from Action Together emphasized that local officials are increasingly worried about expenses tied to climate change. “We need the Legislature to act. This bill holds oil and gas companies accountable and helps us prepare for future impacts,” he said.

Since 1980, New Jersey has faced 75 climate-related disasters, each costing over a billion dollars. The Climate Superfund Act (S3545/A4696) seeks to make major fossil fuel companies — like Exxon, Shell, and BP — financially responsible for their share of damage. The funds raised would be used to strengthen infrastructure and support affected communities while creating jobs across the state.

Similar laws in New York and Vermont have paved the way for this type of accountability. According to a recent report, New Jersey’s climate-related costs could reach $8 billion annually by 2030. This makes the Climate Superfund Act not just necessary, but urgent.

With more voices joining the call for action, it’s clear that the need for accountability in addressing climate change is stronger than ever.

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