Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with a coalition of attorneys general, has initiated legal action against New York. The lawsuit challenges the state's Climate Change Superfund Act, which aims to impose fines on coal, natural gas, and oil producers for emissions dating back to 2000. The law seeks $75 billion in penalties, even from producers not operating within New York. The funds would be allocated to infrastructure projects in the state.
Paxton criticized the law as an unconstitutional measure targeting essential American energy industries. He stated, "New York’s law is nothing more than an unconstitutional shakedown of vital American energy industries that form the bedrock of our national economic independence." He further expressed concern about the broader implications of the law beyond New York.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York Albany Division and includes participation from 21 other states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Industry groups like the West Virginia Coal Association and Alpha Metallurgical Resources have also joined the suit.