Bill

Bill > A00072


NY A00072

NY A00072
Creates climate liability for fossil fuel related activity which caused or contributed to climate change; creates a right of action.


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to creating climate liability for dangers to safety and health caused by certain fossil fuel related activities

AI Summary

This bill creates a legal framework to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change by establishing climate liability for activities that have contributed to environmental damage in New York state. The legislation defines a "fossil fuel industry member" as any entity that has emitted at least one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 1989 and the bill's effective date, and provides a mechanism for individuals, government entities, or organizations to sue these companies for damages caused by climate change. The bill defines "qualified products" as various fossil fuel-related substances and establishes that companies can limit (but not completely avoid) liability by demonstrating they implemented "reasonable controls and procedures" to prevent pollution and deceptive practices. The legislation is grounded in the New York State Constitution's recently added "green amendment," which guarantees citizens the right to clean air, water, and a healthful environment. The bill's findings emphasize that fossil fuel companies have known about climate change's potential catastrophic impacts for decades but have consistently spread disinformation and avoided accountability, and it seeks to provide New Yorkers with a legal tool to hold these companies responsible for their contributions to climate change and its associated public health and environmental consequences.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

referred to environmental conservation (on 01/08/2025)

bill text


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