The New Jersey Legislature must pass the Climate Superfund Act | Letter
The New Jersey Legislature must pass the Climate Superfund Act | Letter
3-minute read
Matt Smith | Special to the USA TODAY Network
Phil Murphy discusses clean energy during 2026 NJ budget address
Gov. Phil Murphy discusses clean energy efforts in New Jersey during his 2026 state budget address.
- The Climate Superfund Act aims to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate change-related damages.
- The proposed legislation would require major polluters to contribute to climate resilience infrastructure and community protection.
- The bill has advanced through committees in both legislative chambers and awaits further action.
- Supporters urge the New Jersey Legislature to prioritize the bill and enact it into law.
In the wake of severe wildfires and destructive flooding in recent weeks, the reality of the climate crisis is clearer than ever, and New Jersey families are paying the price. Climate change is fueling more extreme storms, floods, wildfires and heat waves every year — and every time disaster strikes, it’s working people who foot the bill, not the billion-dollar corporations that created this mess.
That’s why the New Jersey Legislature must urgently pass the Climate Superfund Act — landmark legislation that would finally make fossil fuel giants like Exxon and Shell pay for the damage they’ve done to our communities.
For decades, Big Oil has raked in massive profits while lying about the harm caused by its pollution. Now we’re stuck with the fallout: skyrocketing costs to rebuild after floods, fortify infrastructure and protect our water, food and energy systems. Under the Climate Superfund Act, the biggest corporate polluters would finally be required to pay their fair share — helping fund climate-resilient infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities across the state.
The bill has already passed key committees in both chambers. The Legislature must not let this moment slip away. While the Trump administration does the bidding of fossil fuel interests, New Jersey has the chance to lead — not with half-measures, but with bold action that puts people over profits.
Opinion: Medicaid cuts will simply devastate New Jersey. Call your congress member
State leaders must seize this chance to pass the Climate Superfund Act — delivering real relief for our communities and finally making the corporations responsible for this crisis pay for the harm they’ve caused.
Matt Smith
New Brunswick