S2129B

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would assess major fossil fuel companies $3 billion annually for 25 years—totaling $75 billion—to compensate the state for climate damage caused between 2000 and 2018. The bill (S2129B), sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger, passed 43-17 on a party-line vote, with all 17 nays coming from Republicans. Krueger argued that international oil and gas companies knowingly caused pollution when alternatives were available and should help pay for remediation costs New Yorkers now face, comparing the approach to the federal Superfund Act for land pollution. The state would enforce payment by prohibiting non-compliant companies from doing business in New York. Sen. John Borrello, the leading opponent, questioned whether the state could collect from international companies, whether viable alternatives existed in 2000-2018, and whether the bill violated due process by legislatively assigning fines without court proceedings. He also noted New York remains 70% dependent on fossil fuels and accused supporters of using the bill as a revenue grab to fund the state's climate transition plan rather than genuine environmental policy. Sen. James Rhoads voted no citing due process concerns, arguing damages should be proven in court. Sen. Phil Martins, representing a coastal Nassau County district vulnerable to climate impacts, voted yes, saying companies should be held responsible for harm they caused. The bill now heads to the Assembly.