New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A249

Introduced

1/9/24

Refer

1/9/24

Caption

Amends Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act to prohibit use of appropriated moneys for, or to support, certain State litigation related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact

The bill aims to solidify a legal barrier against state-sponsored lawsuits targeting the fossil fuel sector by limiting the fiscal resources that can be allocated for such actions. The proponents of the bill argue that this measure is essential as there is currently no definitive agreement on the liability of fossil fuel industries for climate change-related harms. This could change the landscape of environmental law within New Jersey, as it would limit the avenues available for legal recourse against companies that may contribute to climate change, potentially influencing public policy on environmental protections and climate accountability.

Summary

Assembly Bill A249 seeks to amend the Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act to prohibit the use of state funds to support certain types of litigation concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the bill restricts appropriated funds from being utilized by the Office of the Attorney General and other state departments to pursue or support litigation against entities in the coal, natural gas, or petroleum industries. This change is proposed in light of ongoing debates surrounding the causation of climate change and the responsibility of fossil fuel industries in exacerbating environmental issues.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding A249 is the ongoing scientific debate regarding the links between fossil fuel operations and climate change. Supporters of the bill contend that without established 'but for' causation linking fossil fuel emissions to specific public harms related to climate change, it is unjust to allocate state funds towards litigation. Conversely, critics may argue that the bill not only undermines accountability for environmental harm but may also impede the state's ability to engage in necessary legal actions that protect public health and the environment from the impacts of climate change.

Latest NJ A249 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2024-2025 Regular Session A249

Companion Bills

NJ A5011

Carry Over Amends Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act to prohibit use of appropriated moneys for, or to support, certain State litigation related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

Previously Filed As

NJ S679

"Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act"; requires certain business entities to publicize annual greenhouse gas emissions data.

NJ A180

Prohibits State from imposing mileage-based user fee; prohibits use of State funding for any program, study, or pilot program related to imposition of mileage-based user fee.

NJ HB128

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation - Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Study and Reports

NJ SB149

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation - Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Study and Reports

NJ A1231

Prohibits DOT from taking certain action on certain rock fall mitigation projects and requires DOT to conduct analysis on project alternatives.

NJ HB566

Prohibits use of state funds in support of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies (OR DECREASE RV See Note)

NJ HB230

An Act Making Appropriations For Certain Grants-in-aid For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026; Specifying Certain Procedures, Conditions And Limitations For The Expenditure Of Such Funds; Amending The Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act; Amending The Fiscal Year 2026 One-time Supplemental Appropriations Act; And Amending Certain Statutory Provisions.

NJ A4632

Extends for five years date of certain greenhouse gas emissions and clean energy goals.

NJ H1217

Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

NJ HB2082

Making and concerning certain supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for various state agencies.

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