Make Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for New Jersey's Climate Adaptation
Official: A3735 — "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects; establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute funds.
Reading: The bill creates a new liability mechanism and funding program to collect and distribute money for climate adaptation projects, directly advancing climate resilience policy.
This is a "polluter pays" approach that makes the fossil fuel industry help cover the costs of dealing with climate change.
In clear language
This bill would require certain fossil fuel companies to pay into a fund managed by New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to help pay for projects that adapt to climate change impacts like flooding and extreme weather. The collected funds would be distributed to support climate resilience projects across the state. This is a "polluter pays" approach that makes the fossil fuel industry help cover the costs of dealing with climate change.
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 operating in or selling products in New Jersey
- New Jersey residents and communities vulnerable to climate impacts like flooding and extreme weather
- Local governments and organizations implementing climate adaptation projects
- Taxpayers who might otherwise bear the full cost of climate resilience infrastructure
What can you do?
- Contact your state legislators to express support for or concerns about the bill
- Learn about climate adaptation projects in your community that could benefit from these funds
- Engage with your local government about climate resilience planning and funding opportunities
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced
- 2026-06-04: Advanced to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee
In the press
New Jersey legislation would impose fees or liability on fossil fuel companies to fund climate adaptation projects, with debate centered on whether polluters or taxpayers should bear climate resilience costs. Coverage in NJ.com, NJ Spotlight News, and AP News documents both support from environmentalists and arguments about the economic impact on residents and families.
- NJ.comWho should pay for climate damages: Taxpayers or polluters? | Opinion
- NJ.comN.J. climate legislation targeting fossil fuel companies will cost you | Opinion
- NJ.comMake polluters pay: The hidden climate tax crushing N.J. families |Opinion
- NJ Spotlight NewsOp-Ed: NJ must follow its neighbor, make polluters pay
- NJ Spotlight NewsYoung environmentalists show up for bill to make corporate polluters pay
- AP NewsNew Jersey, home to many oil and gas producers, eyes fees to fight climate change
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
4 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.
- Shama HaiderDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects; establishes program in DEP to collec
- Alixon Collazos-GillDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects; establishes program in DEP to collec
- Carol MurphyDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects; establishes program in DEP to collec
- Mike VeneziaDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects; establishes program in DEP to collec
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureJun 8, 2026Make Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for Climate Damage in New Jersey
This bill would require fossil fuel companies operating in New Jersey to pay fees that help fund climate adaptation projects—like protecting communities from flooding and extreme weather. The money collected would be managed by the state's Department of Environmental Protection. It aims to make climate protection more affordable for regular residents by shifting some costs to the polluters.
- NJ LegislatureJun 4, 2026Make Fossil Fuel Companies Pay for Climate Damage in New Jersey
This bill would require certain fossil fuel companies to pay money into a fund that New Jersey uses to protect communities from climate change impacts like flooding and extreme weather. The state would create a new program in the Department of Environmental Protection to collect and manage this money. These payments are meant to help make climate adaptation projects more affordable for New Jersey residents.
- 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.
- 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.