State of CA: Vote YES on Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB684/AB1243)

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to support and/or co-sponsor the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB 684/AB 1243). These bills are a critical piece of legislation to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the immense climate damage they have caused in California. These corporations have reaped massive profits while knowingly contributing the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, and they have also funded the disinformation campaign that has blocked progress. Attribution science can now connect the dots better than ever before: The devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, causing over $250 billion in damages and tragic loss of life, underscore the urgent need for this law. These fires were more severe owing to dryer soils and drought conditions, with higher-than-normal wind conditions in the Palisades and other areas around Los Angeles. Scientists tell us that these conditions likely would not have occurred without a warming planet. It’s only fair that the biggest polluters pay their fair share to remedy the intensifying climate impacts they are responsible for - wildfires, droughts, flooding, heatwaves and sea level rise, all of which are side effects of the fossil fuel greenhouse gas effect. The proposed Climate Fund created by this legislation would invest in vital projects like community resilience, renewable energy access for low-income areas, and support for frontline workers responding to climate disasters. This sensible approach rightly places the financial burden on the corporations most culpable for emissions, rather than continuing to burden taxpayers and future generations. I urge you to support this fair and forward-thinking legislation, similar to that being put forward in other states, in order to protect our state and make polluters pay for the damage they knowingly caused. Thank you for your service to California. Yes on SB 684/AB 1243