Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated legal proceedings against a New York climate law, which could impose $75 billion in penalties on energy companies. Drummond, alongside 21 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit challenging New York's Climate Superfund Act.
The legislation mandates significant oil, gas, and coal companies to pay substantial sums based on their greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 to 2018. The lawsuit argues that during this period, New York depended on coal, oil, and natural gas to power its infrastructure.
"New York is trying to punish energy producers, including Oklahoma’s robust oil and gas companies, for legally conducting business that benefitted New York itself. This law is not only unconstitutional; it’s pure hypocrisy,” stated Drummond. “While New York was happily using fossil fuels to power its state, Oklahoma energy companies were providing reliable, affordable energy and creating thousands of good jobs. I won't stand by while New York’s illogical environmental agenda attempts to bankrupt our energy industry and threaten the livelihoods of Oklahoma workers."
The litigation suggests that the law might compel several energy firms, particularly those in Oklahoma, to cease operations. The funds collected under the law are intended for various climate-related initiatives such as storm water systems and wetland restoration.
Filed on February 6th by the coalition of attorneys general, the lawsuit seeks an injunction and requests the court declare the Act preempted by federal statutes.
States joining the lawsuit include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Wyoming Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc., West Virginia Coal Association Gas Oil Association of West Virginia America’s Coal Associations.