New Jersey Assembly Bill A249

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Amends Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act to prohibit use of appropriated moneys for, or to support, certain State litigation related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact

The bill aims to solidify a legal barrier against state-sponsored lawsuits targeting the fossil fuel sector by limiting the fiscal resources that can be allocated for such actions. The proponents of the bill argue that this measure is essential as there is currently no definitive agreement on the liability of fossil fuel industries for climate change-related harms. This could change the landscape of environmental law within New Jersey, as it would limit the avenues available for legal recourse against companies that may contribute to climate change, potentially influencing public policy on environmental protections and climate accountability.

Summary

Assembly Bill A249 seeks to amend the Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act to prohibit the use of state funds to support certain types of litigation concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the bill restricts appropriated funds from being utilized by the Office of the Attorney General and other state departments to pursue or support litigation against entities in the coal, natural gas, or petroleum industries. This change is proposed in light of ongoing debates surrounding the causation of climate change and the responsibility of fossil fuel industries in exacerbating environmental issues.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding A249 is the ongoing scientific debate regarding the links between fossil fuel operations and climate change. Supporters of the bill contend that without established 'but for' causation linking fossil fuel emissions to specific public harms related to climate change, it is unjust to allocate state funds towards litigation. Conversely, critics may argue that the bill not only undermines accountability for environmental harm but may also impede the state's ability to engage in necessary legal actions that protect public health and the environment from the impacts of climate change.