Brakes Slammed on NYS Green Scam Cash Grab Scheme

New York’s latest big-government Green Scam Scheme just hit a big brick wall in court.

A federal judge has struck down the state’s Climate Change Superfund Act, blocking a sweeping environmental initiative that sought to extract $75 billion from energy companies under the banner of fighting climate change.

The 2024 law targeted domestic and foreign companies that extract fossil fuels or refine crude oil, saddling them with billions in retroactive liability for alleged greenhouse gas emissions.

Critics warned the massive costs threatened to ripple through the economy, ultimately putting pressure on energy prices and businesses that depend on affordable fuel.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York ruled the state went too far, finding the law was preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and the federal government’s authority over foreign affairs.

The court declared the Climate Act invalid.

The ruling delivers a major blow to Albany’s aggressive green agenda, one that promised environmental benefits while threatening businesses with an enormous new bill.

“The court held that federal law preempts New York’s attempt to regulate global environmental concerns,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said, adding that the ruling advances efforts aimed at “lowering energy prices for Americans.”

The Justice Department had joined the legal fight against the law, arguing New York was attempting to dictate national and international energy policy from Albany. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson was even more pointed.

“New York’s law would have expropriated $75 billion from energy companies around the world during an energy emergency,” Gustafson said, pledging DOJ would continue fighting for “affordable, reliable energy for all Americans.”

The decision represents a significant setback for the idea that Albany can fight a worldwide environmental problem by imposing massive financial penalties on selected businesses.

The Justice Department is separately challenging the New York law in federal court in Manhattan and has also sued to stop Vermont’s similar climate superfund program.