Hoboken council unanimously backs resolution urging state Climate Superfund law

The Hoboken City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting state-level Climate Superfund legislation, a policy proposal intended to hold fossil-fuel producers financially responsible for climate-related damages and to generate funds for resilience projects.

Public comment in support of the resolution included testimony from resident Liz Conan Doyle, who urged the council to pass a resolution backing the Climate Superfund Act and cited recent action in New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul signed a similar law. Doyle read a statement from Assemblyman John Allen supporting the initiative and asked the Hoboken council to pass a resolution to encourage state lawmakers to follow suit.

Council members discussed the concept of a climate superfund, referencing the historical Superfund statute that addressed toxic waste and noting that the proposed mechanism for climate losses would be used to fund resilience projects, such as coastal protection and infrastructure improvements. The council voted in favor of the resolution; the roll call showed support from the majority of members.

Why it matters: The resolution is a nonbinding political statement of support from Hoboken to state lawmakers. Proponents said municipal endorsements can encourage state lawmakers to advance legislation that would generate revenue for climate adaptation measures affecting coastal and vulnerable communities.

Quote: "This bill will hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damages they've caused," public commenter Liz Conan Doyle said during the meeting, urging a unanimous vote.

Next steps: The resolution directs the city to communicate its support to the state legislative delegation and to monitor forthcoming state action on the proposed Climate Superfund law.