Connect with us

Vermont

US Chamber of Commerce, oil group sue Vermont over law requiring companies to pay for climate change damage

Published

on

US Chamber of Commerce, oil group sue Vermont over law requiring companies to pay for climate change damage


The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a top oil and gas industry trade group have filed a lawsuit against Vermont over its new law requiring that fossil fuel companies pay for damage the state attributes to climate change.

The federal lawsuit, which was filed Monday, urges a state court to block the state from enforcing the law, which was passed by lawmakers last year, according to The Associated Press. The state said it is working to estimate the cost of climate change dating back to 1995.

Advertisement

Vermont became the first state in the country to enact a law of its kind after it suffered catastrophic summer flooding and damage from other extreme weather, the outlet noted.

The Chamber and the American Petroleum Institute argue in the lawsuit that the U.S. Constitution precludes the act and that the state law is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act, The Associated Press reported. The lawsuit also says that the law violates domestic and foreign commerce clauses by discriminating against the “important interest of other states by targeting large energy companies located outside of Vermont.”

APPLE TO PAY $95 MILLION IN SIRI SPYING LAWSUIT

Flooding in downtown Montpelier, Vermont on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (Getty Images)

The plaintiffs say that the federal government is already addressing climate change, according to the report. The plaintiffs add that since greenhouse gases come from billions of individual sources, it is impossible to measure “accurately and fairly” the impact of emissions from a particular entity in a particular location over multiple decades.

Advertisement

“Vermont wants to impose massive retroactive penalties going back 30 years for lawful, out-of-state conduct that was regulated by Congress under the Clean Air Act,” Tara Morrissey, senior vice president and deputy chief counsel of the Chamber’s litigation center, said, according to the report. “That is unlawful and violates the structure of the U.S. Constitution — one state can’t try to regulate a global issue best left to the federal government. Vermont’s penalties will ultimately raise costs for consumers in Vermont and across the country.”

A man watches flooding in Vermont

A man watches as heavy rain sends mud and debris down the Ottauquechee River in Vermont. (Getty Images)

The law requires the Vermont state treasurer, in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources, to issue a report by Jan. 15, 2026, on the total cost to the state and its residents from the emission of greenhouse gases from Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2024. The review would examine the effects of greenhouse gasses on various areas, including public health, natural resources, agriculture, economic development and housing.

The state would use federal data to determine whether the amount of covered greenhouse gas emissions can be traced to a fossil fuel company.

The share of funds collected from the companies could be used by the state for things like improving stormwater drainage systems, upgrading roads and bridges, elevating or retrofitting sewage treatment plants and making energy-efficient weatherization upgrades to public and private buildings.

SUPREME COURT TO TAKE UP CHALLENGE TO TIKTOK BAN

Advertisement
Flooding in Vermont

Aftermath of flash flooding on Red Village Road in Vermont. (Getty Images)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The law in Vermont captured interest from other states, including New York, where a similar bill was signed into law last month.

The New York law requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state fund for infrastructure projects to repair or prevent future damage from climate change, and the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases between 2000 and 2018 would face fines.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Vermont

Support for Laura Sibilia speakership grows

Published

on

Support for Laura Sibilia speakership grows


MONTPELIER — An independent representative’s campaign for speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives is gaining more traction. 

“As Vermont’s legislative session nears, 21 Democratic, Progressive, and independent lawmakers have pledged support for Rep. Laura Sibilia’s candidacy to become Speaker of the Vermont House,” Lucy Rogers, campaign chief, said in an announcement. “This movement signals a call for change in leadership following significant electoral shifts in November.” 

The election for the speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, the opening day of the next legislative session. Democrat Rep. Jill Krowinski is seeking reelection. 

Advertisement

The announcement follows an article in VTDigger entitled, “A significant number of legislators tell VTDigger they back Laura Sibilia’s bid for speaker of the Vermont House.” She would need at least 75 votes to win and 55 Republicans are entering the House this week, the outlet reported. 

“Our numbers tell us that if the Republicans join their Democratic, independent and Progressive colleagues who are voting for change, I’m going to win,” Sibilia said in a statement. 

VTDigger reported, “That so many members outside the Republican caucus plan to support Sibilia’s bid suggests her support is broader than has been previously reported — and could potentially lead to a close outcome. It also underscores how the GOP caucus, even without a majority of House seats, could well determine the next speaker in what would be an early flex of its increased power.”

Sibilia lives in Dover and represents the Windham-2 district. She joined Legislature in 2014 after defeating incumbent John Moran for the seat. 

BRATTLEBORO — A Windham County legislator was unseated in Tuesday’s voting, as independent …

Advertisement

On Dec. 27, Sibilia officially notified the secretary of state of her candidacy for speaker of the House. With two candidates, the election is expected to be conducted by secret ballot.

“I believe in a leadership style that prioritizes openness, collaboration, and respect,” Sibilia said in a statement after filing the notice. “This campaign is about creating a culture in the House that is grounded in transparency, fairness and trust — qualities that are essential for us to meet the moment and deliver results for Vermonters.”

Advertisement

Sibilia also expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and advice she has received throughout her campaign, saying that she’s “inspired by conversations with members from across the political spectrum.”

“Your insights have strengthened my commitment to building a legislature where every member’s expertise and talents are valued,” she said. 

Her campaign emphasizes “transparency, collaboration, and accountability, with a focus on making progress addressing Vermont’s most pressing issues,” according to a news release. 

DOVER — One of Windham County’s two independents will be asking her colleagues to select her…

Advertisement

In a recent newsletter, Sibilia said her nomination for speaker was debated in the House Democratic Caucus in December. She wasn’t present but described appreciating “the courage and thoughtfulness of those who supported me.”

“Ultimately, the caucus chose not to nominate a non-Democrat by a vote of 60-18,” she said. “I respect the Democratic Caucus’ decision but also see the debate as a sign that more legislators are open to the inclusive, coalition-driven leadership I am offering.”

Heading into the next legislative session, Sibilia said she’s “continuing my work to bring people together and make progress for Vermont.”

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Vermont

Vermont Sued for New Law Requiring Big Oil to Pay for Climate Damage | Common Dreams

Published

on

Vermont Sued for New Law Requiring Big Oil to Pay for Climate Damage | Common Dreams


The US Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute – representing the biggest fossil fuel companies in the world – are suing the State of Vermont over its new law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the state’s damage caused by climate change.

The lawsuit, filed last Monday in the US District Court for the District of Vermont, asks a state court to prevent Vermont from enforcing the law passed last year. Vermont became the first state in the country to enact the law after it suffered over $1 billion in damages from catastrophic summer flooding and other extreme weather.

Vermont’s Attorney General’s Office said as of Friday, Jan. 3, they had not been served with the lawsuit.

The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Constitution precludes the act and that the federal Clean Air Act preempts state law. It also claims that the law violates domestic and foreign commerce clauses by discriminating “against the important interest of other states by targeting large energy companies located outside of Vermont.”

Advertisement

The Chamber and the American Petroleum Institute argue that the federal government is already addressing climate change. Because greenhouse gases come from billions of individual sources, they claim it has been impossible to measure “accurately and fairly” the impact of emissions from a particular entity in a specific location over decades.

“For too long, giant fossil fuel companies have knowingly lit the match of climate disruption without being required to do a thing to put out the fire,” Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said in a statement. “Finally, maybe for the first time anywhere, Vermont is going to hold the companies most responsible for climate-driven floods, fires and heat waves financially accountable for a fair share of the damages they’ve caused.”

The complaint is an essential legal test as more states consider holding fossil fuels liable for expensive global warming-intensified events like floods, fires, and more. Maryland and Massachusetts are among the states expected to pursue similar legislation, modeled after the federal law known as Superfund, in 2025.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a similar climate bill into law – the Climate Change Superfund Act- on Dec. 26, pointing to the need to fund climate adaptation projects.

Downtown Montpelier, Vermont was under water on Monday, July 10, 2023 caused by the flooding of the Winooski River.
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Advertisement

Heavy Rains Cause Catastrophic Flooding In Southern Vermont
(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Flooding is seen in downtown Montpelier, Vermont
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)



Source link

Continue Reading

Vermont

Man Shot Near Central and Vermont: Police and Rescue Respond – ABQ RAW

Published

on

Man Shot Near Central and Vermont: Police and Rescue Respond – ABQ RAW


Albuquerque –

Just after 5:25 PM, a shot rang out in near Central and Vermont. A person reported being shot in the 8310 block of Central Ave NE. Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department were dispatched, but fortunately, the New Mexico State Police happened to be in the vicinity and arrived promptly. Officers promptly rendered life saving measures, while Albuquerque Fire Rescue dispatched a rescue unit from Station 5 to the scene.

The man, who was shot in the leg, will be transported to a local area hospital by AFR. Presently, their condition is not known, but if we learn more, we will update you.

APD’s gun violence reduction unit (GVRU) is being called out to investigate this shooting.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending