New York cannot enforce state law demanding $75b. from fossil fuel companies, federal judge rules

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the state cannot enforce its 2024 Climate Change Superfund Act, which aimed to compel fossil fuel companies to contribute $75 billion over 25 years for climate change damages. Chief US District Judge Brenda Sannes sided with 22 Republican state attorneys general and industry groups, determining that the state law was preempted by the federal Clean Air Act. Sannes stated that the act risked upsetting the balance between preventing global warming and promoting economic growth and energy production, concluding, "The Climate Act conflicts with the overriding need for a uniform rule of decision on matters influencing national energy and environmental policy, and basic interests of federalism." New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office is reviewing the decision, with a spokesperson noting, "Taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for damages caused by polluters."