Why California Needs the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund

Zoom
Lawmakers and activists gather at a rally in Sacramento in August 2024. Photo by Ryan Schleeter.

The devastating, climate-fueled Los Angeles fires are estimated to cost around $250 billion. Who pays for that? It’s high time that climate polluters — the oil and gas industry — pay their fair share. The fossil fuel industry has been misleading the public for decades about the consequences of burning fossil fuels, long after they knew the truth from their own scientists. Modeled on the longstanding federal toxic superfund law, Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bills SB 684 (Menjivar) and AB 1243 (Addis) will require polluters to pay into a fund for climate disasters, relief for frontline communities burdened by oil and gas pollution, and climate solutions. 

On this webinar, hear from the bill authors, sponsor organizations, economists, and others who can share how a climate superfund will benefit Californians.

Speakers

Assemblymember Dawn Addis

California State Assemblymember, District 30

Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the 30th Assembly District. Assemblymember Addis chairs the Assembly Select Committee on Offshore Wind Energy in California and the Assembly Select Committee on Serving Students with Disabilities.

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Jason Pfeifle

Senior Climate Campaigner, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund

Jason (he/him) works with the Climate Law Institute to fight pollution from oil and gas extraction. Prior to joining the Center, he led CALPIRG’s advocacy and policy work on public health issues like getting lead out of school drinking water and stopping antibiotic overuse on factory farms. He holds a doctorate in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Dr. Clair Brown

Professor of Economics emerita and Director of the Center for Work, Technology and Society at the University of California, Berkeley.

Clair Brown, PhD., is Professor of Economics emerita and Director of the Center for Work, Technology and Society at the University of California, Berkeley. Brown has published research on many aspects of how economies function, including inequality, sustainability, high-tech industries, the standard of living, and wage determination.

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