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Vermont leads efforts to make oil companies pay for climate damages
Vermont has become the first state to pass a law requiring fossil fuel companies to cover the costs of climate-related disasters, with other states poised to follow.
In short:
- Vermont's law, effective July 1, charges fossil fuel companies based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions.
- New York, California, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey are considering similar measures, with New York's pending governor approval.
- The oil industry is preparing legal challenges, arguing the bills are based on unreliable science.
Key quote:
“There’s a wealth of information out there dating back before 1995 indicating that the [oil] industry knew of the risks associated with its products.”
— Elena Mihaly, vice president of Conservation Law Foundation Vermont
Why this matters:
As climate change worsens, states are seeking ways to hold fossil fuel companies financially responsible for damages, potentially setting a precedent for nationwide efforts. These initiatives could face significant legal and political hurdles.
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Vermont farmers adapt to more frequent floods
Young farmers in Vermont are exploring new methods to mitigate the impact of frequent flooding and extreme weather.
In short:
- Vermont farmers like Ashley Loehr and Antoine Guerlain are implementing innovative strategies to protect crops from flooding.
- The frequency of severe storms has increased, creating significant financial and operational challenges for local farmers.
- Newer, younger farmers are often more flexible and open to experimenting with new agricultural techniques.
Key quote:
“We’re doing things we’ve never done before, because things are happening that have never happened before.”
— Ashley Loehr, Vermont farmer
Why this matters:
Frequent flooding driven by climate change threatens the sustainability of farming in Vermont, impacting food security and the local economy. Adaptation and support for farmers are essential to cope with these increasing environmental challenges.
Read: Climate change will continue to widen gaps in food security, new study finds
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States push for fossil fuel companies to fund climate resilience
Several U.S. states are advancing legislation to make oil companies pay for the climate damages caused by their emissions.
In short:
- Vermont has enacted a climate superfund law, with New York and others considering similar measures.
- These bills, inspired by the federal Superfund program, would make oil companies pay for climate-related damages.
- The proposed laws would calculate costs based on emissions attributed to fossil fuels sold over specified periods.
Key quote:
“States and municipalities are suffering enormous costs from the damage associated with climate change and the money they have to spend now to prepare for the consequences they’re going to face in the future, at the same time as fossil fuel industry actors are posting record profits from creating these harms.”
— Martin Lockman, climate law fellow at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia University
Why this matters:
Climate superfund bills represent a significant step in holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental harm. They aim to provide essential funding for climate adaptation and resilience, shifting financial responsibility to those who contributed most to the problem.
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Vermont strengthens dam safety to prevent future flooding disasters
Vermont is overhauling dam safety regulations after last year's catastrophic flooding damaged numerous dams and endangered communities.
In short:
- Inspectors found that five dams failed, 50 were significantly damaged, and 57 were overtopped during last year's floods.
- The state is implementing stricter regulations and renovation projects to mitigate future flood risks and ensure dam safety.
- Vermont's new legislation, Act 121, increases funding and staffing for dam safety, bringing oversight of all state dams under one agency by 2028.
Key quote:
“It’s a big deal. The dam safety program is evolving significantly, in a good direction.”
— Neil Kamman, director of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Investment Division.
Why this matters:
The new regulations aim to enhance the structural integrity of dams across Vermont, ensuring they can withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns linked to climate change. This move is not just about preventing future disasters but also about protecting the environment and public health.
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Vermont debates new climate compensation bill targeting fossil fuel firms
Vermont is considering a groundbreaking bill that would use a "Superfund" model to recover costs from fossil fuel companies for climate-related damages, reflecting a shift toward climate adaptation.
In short:
- The proposed Climate Superfund Act in Vermont aims to implement the "polluter pays" principle to address costs from climate change impacts.
- The bill has passed the Vermont Senate and is supported by a majority in the House, signaling strong legislative backing.
- Financial contributions from fossil fuel companies would fund infrastructure updates and other adaptive measures in Vermont.
Key quote:
“One thing that it definitely isn’t about is cutting carbon pollution. This one really is about what are the effects of the climate crisis going to be on Vermont, how we make them less severe, less costly, and how do we pay for them when they inevitably do come?”
— Ben Edgerly-Walsh, director the climate and energy program at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Why this matters:
This bill could set a precedent for other states, offering a template for linking climate-related damages to corporate accountability, and moving toward adaptation strategies.
Learn more about the impact fossil fuels have on our health: Fossil fuels and petrochemicals may be making us sicker.
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States consider a Superfund for climate change to penalize Big Oil
Vermont joins three northeastern states in trying to make the fossil fuel industry pay for the damages wrought by climate change.
Newsletter
July flooding pulled nutrients, waste into Vermont's waters — and climate change is making it worse
At the peak of the flooding in July, more than 4 billion gallons of water flowed into Lake Champlain every hour carrying fuel oil, mercury, diesel, and phosphorus from upstream communities.
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