Oil and gas industry challenges Vermont climate accountability law
A lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute aims to block Vermont’s law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for decades of climate-related damage.
Michael Casey and Lisa Rathke report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Vermont’s law mandates fossil fuel companies compensate for the state’s climate costs dating back to 1995, using a "polluter-pays" model similar to the federal Superfund program.
- The lawsuit claims the law violates the U.S. Constitution and federal regulations, arguing that climate action falls under federal jurisdiction.
- Vermont officials believe the law addresses decades of disaster recovery costs, with other states like New York enacting similar legislation.
Key quote:
“More states are following Vermont’s lead holding Big Oil accountable for the disaster recovery and cleanup costs from severe storms fueled by climate change, ensuring that families and businesses no longer have to foot the entire bill time and time again.”
— Anthony Iarrapino, Vermont-based lobbyist with the Conservation Law Foundation
Why this matters:
Legal challenges to state climate policies could shape national approaches to holding polluters accountable for climate damage. The case raises questions about whether states can enforce climate regulations without federal approval.
Related: Vermont leads efforts to make oil companies pay for climate damages
