New York’s plan to charge fossil-fuel producers $75B for climate change damages is struck down
A federal judge has dismissed New York's $75 billion plan to hold fossil fuel producers accountable for climate change damages, ruling that the law goes beyond the state's authority into federal jurisdiction. The 2024 law, signed by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, faced legal challenges from fossil fuel industry representatives, business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Republican attorneys general, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes stated that the state's climate law encroached on the domain governed by federal law for over a century and sought damages for worldwide cumulative impacts, which conflicts with the need for a unified national policy and is not authorized by the Clean Air Act. The judge also noted that collecting damages from foreign producers is forbidden by foreign affairs doctrine, making it unconstitutional.
While climate change advocates plan to appeal the decision, Hochul's administration will assess the ruling to determine its subsequent actions.
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