Governor Kathy Hochul is facing a deadline to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act, which would require big fossil fuel companies to contribute $3 billion annually towards climate change-related costs in New York State. Advocates argue that these companies should pay for the damages they are causing and not burden taxpayers. The bill has strong support from organizations like NYPIRG and young activists like Helen Mancini of Fridays For Future NYC who are calling for action to address climate disasters. However, Republican Assemblymember Phil Palmesano believes the legislation will face legal challenges and ultimately result in rate increases for consumers. Negotiations over potential amendments to the bill are ongoing, with advocates growing impatient after a six-month wait since it passed the assembly. Despite uncertainties, there is optimism that the governor and lawmakers are working towards a solution before the end of the year. The decision on whether to sign the bill and address climate change costs rests with Governor Hochul as the clock is ticking on the remaining days of the year.
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Advocates uneasy during climate superfund negotiations
