Bill > A09279

This bill establishes a legal framework for recovering costs associated with climate disasters by allowing the Attorney General and insurers to bring civil actions against large fossil fuel companies. The bill defines a "climate disaster" as any event like floods, hurricanes, or other natural or human-caused catastrophes where climate change was a contributing factor, and establishes criteria for identifying a "responsible party" as a fossil fuel-related business with at least $500 million in annual revenue. The Attorney General can sue responsible parties to recover assessments, premium increases, and other costs incurred by insurers or policyholders due to climate-related damages, with the ability to seek restitution, profits, and other damages. Similarly, insurers and the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association can bring civil actions to recover damages sustained in connection with a climate disaster, with a three-year statute of limitations for filing such claims. The bill explicitly states that these new legal provisions do not limit existing consumer protection, environmental, or climate-related laws, and cannot be used to infringe on First Amendment rights. The law would take effect 90 days after being signed, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest of the legislation remains in force.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9279