Hold the largest pollution accountable with reparations

As citizens concerned about climate change, we urge federal action similar to Vermont's new law holding fossil fuel companies financially accountable for damages caused by their greenhouse gas emissions. Vermont has enacted groundbreaking legislation requiring these companies to pay a share of costs related to climate change impacts like extreme weather events, infrastructure upgrades, and building resilience. The federal government should follow suit and put the polluter pays principle into practice nationwide. Fossil fuel emissions are driving severe climate disruptions that are costing taxpayers billions in recovery efforts and preventative measures. It is only fair that the corporations most responsible for these emissions contribute to mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis they knowingly perpetuated. A federal law modeled on Vermont's would finally make polluters pay their fair share instead of burdening ordinary citizens with the mounting costs. Climate change is a national crisis demanding a national response. Just as the tobacco industry was held liable for public health damages from smoking, fossil fuel giants must be held accountable for the environmental devastation caused by their product. With legal challenges expected, the federal government has far more resources to defend such a law than any single state. Establishing this polluter pays legislation at the national level is a crucial step toward climate justice and protecting Americans from future climate disasters.