US Administration Attacks Vermont Superfund Law - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the U.S. federal administration's legal challenge against Vermont's recently enacted Climate Superfund law, which holds fossil fuel companies financially responsible for environmental damage and climate change impacts within the state. Vermont’s law, passed in May 2024, aims to recover costs from polluters to fund climate adaptation projects, especially to aid vulnerable communities affected by flooding and other climate-related disasters. State officials emphasize the importance of ensuring that polluters, not taxpayers, bear the financial burden of climate change consequences. However, the federal government, despite its usual rhetoric against government overreach, is aggressively opposing Vermont’s law. The administration’s lawsuit characterizes the state legislation as a "lawless experiment" that conflicts with U.S. foreign policy and improperly regulates activities beyond Vermont’s borders. It argues that the law undermines federal supremacy and disrupts the balance of power between the national government and states. The complaint seeks a summary judgment, indicating the federal government believes the case is clear-cut and should be decided