CityViews
As parents of young children, we teach our kids that they need to clean up the messes they make. But Gov. Kathy Hochul is dragging her feet on signing a crucial climate bill that would compel corporate polluters to do just that: The Climate Change Superfund Act.
The Climate Change Superfund Act
The Climate Change Superfund Act, which passed on the last day of the 2024 legislative session, would hold polluters financially accountable for fueling climate disasters like the storms, wildfires, and drought our state experienced over the past year.
Footing the Bill
Right now, working families like us are footing the bill for the billions in damages caused by these climate disasters, while the fossil fuel companies sowing climate misinformation and poisoning the planet make record profits. This is profoundly unfair and we’ve had enough.
A Day of Action
That’s why we joined Climate Families NYC in disrupting the Albany Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony last weekend to demand Gov. Hochul sign the Superfund Act. We traveled with snacks, car seats, and giant holiday-themed light-up props to make sure our message to Hochul was heard loud and clear. Our day included a Superfund Act version of “Jingle Bells,” a giant tree and fire props, a cardboard Kathy Hochul complete with a sack of coal and Grinch hat, flipping on illuminated signs demanding the Superfund Act NOW and a powerful—and festive—disruption of a state ceremony attended by several elected leaders and state officials, including Lieutenant Gov. Antonio Delgado.
A Statewide Movement
We are not alone in asking the governor to pick up her pen and sign; the bill is popular across New York. Our action kicked off a week of disruptive protest targeting the governor in Albany led by statewide movement organizations like Third Act, NYPIRG, Climate Defenders, and Fridays for Future, who held a sit-in at the Capitol.
Elected Officials Support
Alongside numerous other civil and environmental organizations, elected officials have likewise pressed the governor to sign the bill: Congressman Jerry Nadler sent a public letter to Hochul back in August calling on her to sign the Superfund Act, as did New York City Mayor Eric Adams. NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has rallied with advocates in support of the bill. Dozens of councilmembers and mayors from across the state signed a public letter in support of Hochul signing. More recently, Rep. Richie Torres, who is exploring a run for governor, publicly called on Hochul to sign the bill.
A Parent’s Plea
It’s not easy for parents with toddlers and elementary school-age children to make the trek up to Albany on a cold December day. We got home on Sunday at 10 p.m. and carried our sleeping children up to their beds. We’d rather be having holiday fun with our kids instead of protesting, but the consensus of global scientists is that our children and all children’s survival is on the line.
Conclusion
The clock is ticking: Gov. Hochul has until the end of 2024 to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act. It’s time to pick a side: Working families or polluters. We hope she makes the right choice.
FAQs
Q: What is the Climate Change Superfund Act?
A: The Climate Change Superfund Act is a bill that would hold polluters financially accountable for fueling climate disasters.
Q: Why is this bill important?
A: The bill would help working families like us who are footing the bill for the damages caused by climate disasters, while polluters make record profits.
Q: Who supports the bill?
A: The bill is supported by numerous civil and environmental organizations, as well as elected officials like Congressman Jerry Nadler, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Rep. Richie Torres.
Q: What can I do to support the bill?
A: You can contact Gov. Hochul and urge her to sign the bill. You can also join statewide movement organizations like Third Act, NYPIRG, Climate Defenders, and Fridays for Future to demand action.
