Urges Governor and AG to pursue legal action against fossil fuel companies for harms caused by climate change.
Impact
The bill addresses the significant environmental damages that New Jersey has already experienced due to climate change, such as coastal erosion, flooding, and property damage. It calls for accountability from the fossil fuel companies, who are identified as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By urging state action against these companies, AR56 positions New Jersey to potentially recover costs related to the ongoing impact of climate change, thus reinforcing the responsibility of polluters in mitigating their contributions to environmental degradation.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 56 (AR56) urges the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, and Attorney General, Gurbir Grewal, to pursue legal action against fossil fuel companies for the extensive harm caused by climate change. The resolution references a lawsuit filed by the City of New York, which targets large fossil fuel producers for damages under claims of public and private nuisance, as well as trespass. The resolution highlights the knowledge that these companies had regarding the adverse effects of their products on the environment, significantly pointing out that they continued to produce and sell fossil fuels while downplaying the associated risks to the public.
Contention
Despite its intentions, the resolution may face opposition from various stakeholders, including the fossil fuel industry and certain political factions who might argue against the viability of pursuing legal actions or the economic ramifications such strategies could entail. The contentious aspects include the historical context of fossil fuel dependency and the complexities involved in assigning liability for climate-related damages. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of legal measures versus legislative reforms in achieving substantial environmental progress.
"Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments.
"Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments.
Creates legal cause of action for persons/insurers to recover losses resulting from climate disaster against petroleum product producers based upon strict liability for deceptive/false statements as to climate impacts.
Providing for a judicial forum for claims for damages stemming from climate disasters, extreme weather attributable to climate change and harms resulting from long-term changes to the climate system.