Massachusetts advocates to continue pushing for a Climate Taxpayer relief fund statewide.

Federal District Judge in New York’s attempt to halt a statewide Climate Superfund bill gives leeway to corporations who contribute to extreme and catastrophic weather events.

Boston, MA – The Make Polluters Pay campaign in Massachusetts will continue to advocate for a bill that gives citizens relief from considerable costs in climate damages, and holds those most responsible accountable.  This singular ruling shaped by controversial precedent does not erase the costs of climate damages for everyday people. We are proud of the efforts being taken to appeal this decision by New York advocates of people— not oil companies and lobbyists.

We want to make it clear what this decision is not: banning superfund/taxpayer relief bills nationwide, speaking to a supreme court decision in Boulder v. Suncor , or dictating the outcome of Vermont's superfund bill. Although the inclination from state legislators here in Massachusetts may be to wait before reintroducing our legislation, we know that waiting years for every lawsuit to clear up is putting our neighbors and families in harm's way. 

"Every dollar we fail to recover from polluters comes out of the public's pocket, diverted from going toward improving schools and services. New York's decision will not decide for Massachusetts whether polluters or taxpayers pay for climate damage." said Nisha Swinton, Food and Water Watch

"While we are disappointed in the decision in New York, we are confident that this has no bearing on our fate in Massachusetts.  For too long, our political system has allowed fossil fuel polluters to intervene in and control outcomes," said Vick Mohanka, Director of Sierra Club Massachusetts.  "We hope to see this challenged and overturned as soon as possible, and look forward to fighting for this incredibly popular legislation in the commonwealth next year." 

"Every year, we keep breaking heat records and experience more of the erratic weather patterns and natural disasters scientists for decades have told us climate change would produce, and our cities and towns are footing the bill. Massachusetts needs to move forward with a Climate Superfund bill in order to provide much-needed funding for climate resiliency rather than search for excuse after excuse for delay and inertia." said Jonathan Cohn, Policy Director, Progressive Massachusetts 

We will continue to advocate for a bill that redistributes funds from corporations to people and make sure our campaign is focused on people powered resilience. As we continue to pay the price for climate damages through insurance premiums, emergency spending, and utility bills, support for superfund and taxpayer relief bills grow. If our legislators retreat, the Trump administration, American Petroleum Institute, and other toxic corporate lobbyists groups win and we lose. 

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