Make Polluters Pay
It’s time for fossil fuel companies to foot the bill for their destruction
In 2025, FFCA supported the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act, which would create a program under California’s Environmental Protection Agency to assess fees on the largest historical producers of climate-heating pollution. At least 40% of these funds would be directed to the most impacted communities. This act would force these fossil fuel polluters to pay for their increasingly devastating and costly damage to the state. Polluters Pay legislation will likely be back in the California legislature in 2027. In the meantime, we’re working to build support through local actions, city and county resolutions, and outreach in the labor movement.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Trump administration is working hard to protect its friends in Big Oil. The Energy Freedom Act would ban states from enacting Polluters Pay laws–and give Big Oil immunity from climate lawsuits. FFCA is working with allies around the country to oppose this legislation and clear the way for Polluters Pay laws.
TAKE ACTION
Pass a Make Polluters Pay motion/resolution in your union
Template Motion Language
Whereas, {union name} shall take a support position on the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (AB 1243/SB684), that will provide funding for community resilience and sustainable infrastructure, protect the state budget & lower costs for families, and ensure that the big corporate polluters, not taxpayers, pay for the damage they helped cause.
Whereas, The Fund will generate an important amount of funding that can be used to combat the climate crisis and upgrade our aging infrastructure. The fee will also disincentivize fossil fuel companies from continuing to expand coal, oil and gas production. This will reduce overall pollution, helping protect the environment, the health of our students, and leading to substantial benefits in public health. This bill is also supported by 190 organizations including - California Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, and SCOPE (Strategic Concepts in Organizing & Policy Education).
[IF DIVESTMENT RESOLUTION] Lastly, {union name} has taken previous support positions for CalSTRS / CalPERS divestment from fossil fuels.
This bill directly aligns with {union name}'s values and beliefs.
SUMMARY OF BILL AND FULL TEXT: https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb684
Therefore be it resolved, {union name} shall take a support position on the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (AB1243/SB684)
After Your Union Takes a Position
After your union takes a public position, reach out to us at info@fossilfreeca.org and we will ensure your union's name is added to the official support list for the bill!