Massachusetts Advocates Push For Climate Superfund To Hold Polluters Accountable

In a pivotal meeting held on September 2, 2025, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as advocates, experts, and community leaders presented their cases for the proposed climate change superfund and related bills.

Dan Hoffer, representing SEIU Local 509, emphasized the need for accountability from corporations that have profited from fossil fuels while harming the environment. He argued that the financial burden of climate damage should not fall on working people but rather on those who have made significant profits at the expense of the planet. Hoffer urged the committee to favorably report on House Bill 714 and Senate Bill 588, which aim to create good-paying jobs through prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship opportunities in projects funded by the bill.

Juliet Shore, an economist from Boston College, echoed this sentiment, advocating for the establishment of a climate change superfund. She highlighted the principle of fairness, stating that those who knowingly contribute to climate damage should bear the costs. Shore pointed to the successful Superfund legislation of 1980, which has effectively cleaned up hazardous sites, and argued that a similar approach could yield significant benefits for Massachusetts.

Robert Pollin, a distinguished professor of economics at UMass Amherst, presented findings from a recent study estimating that the proposed superfund could generate approximately 7,600 jobs annually. This figure, he noted, surpasses job creation potential compared to investments in the fossil fuel sector, underscoring the economic benefits of transitioning to climate adaptation measures.

Community voices were also prominent in the discussion. Tristan Thomas, director of Alternatives for Community and Environment, passionately advocated for the "make polluters pay" bill, stressing that low-income families and communities of color are often the most affected by environmental degradation. He called for equitable investments to ensure that those most harmed by climate change receive the support they need.

Naya Tanarowicz, a resident of Springfield, shared her personal experiences with the impacts of climate change in her community, highlighting issues such as poor air quality and the urban heat island effect. She urged the committee to prioritize environmental justice, stating that the bill could provide much-needed resources for adaptation and recovery in under-resourced areas.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left with a clear message: the time for action is now. The proposed legislation not only aims to hold polluters accountable but also seeks to create a more equitable future for all Massachusetts residents. The discussions underscored a growing recognition that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue but a matter of social justice and economic opportunity.