Last week’s flash flooding in Plainfield spurred leaders and environmentalists to rally for legislation that would create a “Climate Superfund” in New Jersey.
The legislation would authorize the state treasurer to fine polluting companies based on their greenhouse gas emissions since 1995. The resultant funds would be used to help repair infrastructure and make communities more resilient against storms.
“These are not isolated incidents. They are a warning sign of a planet in crisis,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp.
The damage from last week’s flooding was extensive, particularly in Watchung, North Plainfield and Plainfield, where two people died and multiple streets were flooded after 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a few hours.
Business groups have pushed back against the bill, arguing it’s unfair to penalize companies for doing what was legal over the course of decades. Others have argued that a climate superfund could cause energy costs to rise in New Jersey. The Trump administration has sued over similar laws in Vermont and New York.
“We fully expect court challenges, but at the same time, we’re going to make this bulletproof,” said Sen. John McKeon (D-Essex). “We’re watching what the courts might think or is less than sustainable, and we’re making sure that that’s not an aspect of our bill. So we’re kind of taking the best of Vermont, best of New York, and being certain.”
