Bill
Bill > A00072
NY A00072
NY A00072Creates climate liability for fossil fuel related activity which caused or contributed to climate change; creates a right of action.
summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
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)
Michaelle Solages (D)*,
William Colton (D),
Manny De Los Santos (D),
Harvey Epstein (D),
Emily Gallagher (D),
Jessica González-Rojas (D),
Anna Kelles (D),
Steven Raga (D),
Karines Reyes (D),
Sarahana Shrestha (D),
Jo Anne Simon (D),
Last Action
referred to environmental conservation (on 01/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A72 |
BillText | https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A00072&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y#A00072 |
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