Massachusetts Moves to Establish Climate Change Superfund for Environmental Justice

In a pivotal meeting held on September 2, 2025, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources gathered to discuss the urgent need for a climate change superfund. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as advocates and local leaders presented their testimonies, emphasizing the immediate impacts of climate change on communities across the state.

Dan Zappin, the legislative manager for the grassroots climate network 350 Mass, opened the session with a compelling call to action. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a climate superfund, a cost recovery mechanism aimed at holding major oil and gas companies accountable for the environmental damage caused by their products. Zappin pointed out that these companies have emitted over a billion tons of carbon dioxide since 1995, and he urged the committee to support the bill, which promises to allocate 40% of its revenue to benefit environmental justice communities and create thousands of green jobs.

The testimonies continued with local leaders like Malden City Councilor Carrie McDonald and Medford City Councilor Kit Collins, who shared firsthand accounts of their communities grappling with the effects of climate change. McDonald described Malden as an environmental justice community facing rising temperatures and flooding, while Collins emphasized the financial burden that municipalities bear due to climate-related damages. Both councilors expressed their strong support for the superfund bill, arguing that it would provide essential resources to help their cities adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

Catherine Lang from the Conservation Law Foundation reinforced the need for the superfund, citing the increasing frequency of climate disasters in Massachusetts and the financial strain on local governments. She pointed out that the current funding for climate resilience projects is insufficient, and the proposed bill offers a viable solution to generate necessary revenue.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members listened intently, acknowledging the weight of the testimonies presented. The discussions underscored a growing consensus: the time for action is now. The proposed climate superfund not only aims to hold polluters accountable but also seeks to empower communities to combat the escalating climate crisis.

With the support of a broad coalition of over 30 organizations, the bill stands as a beacon of hope for many residents who have long felt the impacts of climate change. As the committee prepares to deliberate on the bill, the voices of advocates and local leaders resonate with a clear message: Massachusetts must take bold steps to secure a sustainable future for all its communities.