Tell your NJ legislators to support the “Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act” (S2338/A3735, formerly known as the Climate Superfund Act). The best way to do that is to urge their leadership (Senate President or Assembly Speaker) to allow a full floor vote after the summer break. Only then can Governor Sherrill sign it into law.
The Problem:
Scientists predict that New Jersey will bear the brunt of climate disasters as the Earth keeps warming and sea levels rise. This means that not only will our homes and businesses be on fire and underwater, but the people and towns of New Jersey will be the ones who shoulder the costs of this damage.
The Solution:
Under the proposed Polluters Pay Act (S2338/A3735), the top oil and gas extracting corporations (not NJ's refineries and gas stations) who caused this climate crisis in the first place will be the ones to pay.
While not yet law, it is estimated that it will generate $2.5 billion annually for the next 20 years (or $50 billion in total) for New Jersey to mitigate climate impacts.
The Act ensures that only the top climate polluters (i.e. large oil and gas companies) pay, with the target being those who have produced over 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas pollution since 1995. Even then, the costs would be proportionate instead of a flat fee for all offenders.
We have all heard the phrase "You break it, you buy it" — why should the people and towns of New Jersey be burdened with the cost of a crisis they did not cause?
Take Action:
We have come this far with a majority of NJ legislators poised to vote YES if only Senate President Scutari and Assembly Speaker Coughlin would put it up for a vote.
This summer, we have already seen sizzling hot temperatures, NJTransit out of commission, our neighborhoods plagued with flashfloods and power outages.
Tell your state legislators TODAY to commit to a YES VOTE and press leadership to put it up for a vote as soon as they come back from summer break.
