Climate Superfund: Historic Sit-in at NYS Capitol

On December 10, 11, and 12, “Protestors gathered at the State Capitol in Albany for a three-day sit-in, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act (S2129B / A3351B). A “die-in” led by the younger demographic began the demonstration, culminating with statewide rallies backing the New York HEAT Act ( S2016B/A4592B) on Thursday [Dec 12]." [Read more.] 

19 elders were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing for staying past close, gathered around a Christmas tree and waiting to hear how negotiations on the Climate Superfund were going down the hall. In early January, all arrestees received 6-month ACODs.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Climate Superfund Act into law in late December 2024, and it should begin implementation in 3 years [Read more.] This follows the passage of a similar law in Vermont, and there are active campaigns across the country, including in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and under proposed federal legislation.

If you would like to learn more about the “Make Polluters Pay” principle, the New York Public Interest Research Group has information available [Read more.] To help support the implementation of the Climate Superfund, please read about how this fund will not increase household costs and consider writing a letter to your editor in support.