Make Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for Climate Damage in New Jersey
Official: S2338 — "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds.
Reading: The bill creates a new cost-recovery funding mechanism for climate adaptation by imposing mandatory payments on fossil fuel companies, directly expanding dedicated climate resilience resources.
The payments are designed to make the costs of climate damage fairer by having the companies that profited from fossil fuels help pay for the solutions.
In clear language
This bill requires large fossil fuel companies operating in New Jersey to pay money to help the state prepare for and recover from climate change impacts like flooding and extreme weather. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will collect these payments and distribute the funds to communities and programs that need climate adaptation help. The payments are designed to make the costs of climate damage fairer by having the companies that profited from fossil fuels help pay for the solutions.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Fossil fuel companies and their shareholders (required to make payments)
- New Jersey residents and communities vulnerable to flooding, heat, and other climate impacts (who would receive adaptation funding)
- Low-income households and neighborhoods most exposed to climate risks (priority for assistance programs)
What can you do?
- Contact your state senator to express support or concern about this bill
- Learn what climate adaptation projects are planned in your community and how they may help your area
- Advocate for transparent use of these funds by attending public meetings on climate spending in your municipality
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced in Senate
- 2026-06-08: Reported from Senate Committee; referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
- 2026-06-28: Reported from Senate Committee with amendments
In the press
Coverage in NJ.com and The Guardian addresses proposals requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate damage costs. The articles discuss making polluters financially responsible for climate adaptation and recovery expenses, with NJ.com opinion pieces framing this as a mechanism to shift climate costs away from families and toward the companies responsible for fossil fuel profits.
- NJ.comMake fossil fuel companies pay for N.J.’s climate damage | Opinion
- NJ.comThis is how we make polluters pay, not N.J. families. | Opinion
- The GuardianThese US states want polluters to pay for the rising insurance costs of climate disasters
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
3 people have acted on this policy
Verified promises, sponsorships, votes, or other actions where the politician's record references this policy. Each entry links to that person's accountability page.
- John McKeonDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of S2338: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to co
- Bob SmithDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of S2338: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to co
- Sen. Raj MukherjiDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of S2338: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to co
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureJun 28, 2026Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for Climate Adaptation in New Jersey
This bill requires fossil fuel companies to pay money to New Jersey to help fund projects and programs that prepare the state for the effects of climate change, like flooding and extreme weather. The state's Department of Environmental Protection would collect and manage these payments. The goal is to make climate adaptation more affordable for New Jersey residents by having polluters help cover the costs.
- NJ LegislatureJun 23, 2026Making Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for New Jersey's Climate Adaptation
This bill requires certain fossil fuel companies to make cost-recovery payments to help fund New Jersey's efforts to adapt to climate change. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would collect these payments and manage how the money is used. The goal is to shift some of the cost of climate adaptation onto the companies responsible for fossil fuel emissions.
- NJ LegislatureJun 1, 2026Challenge to New Jersey's Climate Resilience Rules
This is a legislative resolution that claims New Jersey's climate and environmental protection rules are not aligned with what the legislature originally intended. The resolution has just been introduced and referred to the state Senate's Environment and Energy Committee for review. If passed, it could lead to changes or reconsideration of those rules.
- NJ LegislatureJun 1, 2026New Jersey Creates AI Tool to Predict and Map Floods
This New Jersey bill directs the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop and use artificial intelligence technology to better predict flooding and create detailed flood maps. The tool will help communities understand flood risks and prepare accordingly. This is part of New Jersey's effort to adapt to climate change impacts like increased flooding.