New York Takes Bold Steps Against Climate Change Amid Federal Policy Rollbacks

As Climate Week NYC 2025 unfolds from September 21 to 28, New York State and City are implementing significant measures to combat climate change, directly opposing recent federal policy shifts under President Donald Trump's administration.

In December 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act into law, imposing $75 billion in fines on fossil fuel companies over the next 25 years. This legislation aims to shift the financial burden of climate change mitigation from taxpayers to oil, gas, and coal companies deemed responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The funds are designated for adapting infrastructure such as roads, transit systems, water and sewage facilities, and buildings to withstand climate impacts. Companies responsible for over 1 billion tons of global greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2018 are subject to these fines, with payments commencing in 2028. (jurist.org)

State Senator Liz Krueger, a co-sponsor of the bill, stated, "New York has fired a shot that will be heard round the world: The companies most responsible for the climate crisis will be held accountable." (insurancejournal.com)

The American Petroleum Institute, representing the oil industry, criticized the law, describing it as a "punitive new fee on American energy." (wcax.com)

On September 22, 2025, New York City announced multiple actions opposing the federal government's efforts to roll back climate science and environmental protections. These actions include filing comment letters and an amicus brief challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed reversal of the 2009 "Endangerment Finding," which recognized greenhouse gas emissions as harmful to public health. The city's legal challenges aim to uphold stringent environmental standards and protect public health. (nyc.gov)

These developments highlight the ongoing tension between federal and state policies on climate action, with New York State and City taking proactive measures to address climate change despite federal rollbacks.