ALBANY, N.Y. — A bill introduced in the New York State Senate seeks to refine and expand the state’s Climate Change Superfund Act, strengthening cost recovery measures against fossil fuel companies and detailing the implementation of climate adaptation projects. The legislation, S824, is sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger and proposes amendments to environmental, labor, tax, and finance laws related to climate change adaptation funding and oversight.
The bill would extend the timeframe for determining responsible fossil fuel companies from 2000-2018 to 2000-2024 and grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) additional time to conduct analyses before issuing cost recovery demands. It also expands DEC’s authority to obtain information from fossil fuel businesses and establishes penalties for nonpayment.
Under the proposed changes, the bill requires public disclosure of extraction and refining data, strengthens procedural requirements for cost recovery notices, and removes the Department of Taxation and Finance from most enforcement responsibilities. It also mandates more detailed climate adaptation plans, public input opportunities, and legislative oversight of fund expenditures.
Funds collected through the program would support climate adaptation infrastructure, with up to 1% allocated for administrative costs. The bill also allows limited fund transfers for adaptation project support.
If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.
The legislation underscores New York’s commitment to holding fossil fuel companies accountable for climate-related costs while refining the process for funding and implementing adaptation projects.