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Vermont defends its landmark climate superfund law against Trump administration lawsuit
Vermont defends its 2024 climate superfund law in federal court amid lawsuits by industry groups and the DOJ seeking to block a fund for climate adaptation projects.
On Monday, Vermont lawyers argued in federal court to dismiss two lawsuits challenging its 2024 climate superfund law, asserting the state's sovereign authority to raise revenue for climate adaptation projects.
President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to challenge the law, while the American Petroleum Institute and Chamber of Commerce sued separately, calling it "burdensome and ideologically motivated."
Jennifer Rushlow, interim vice president for CLF Vermont, said the litigation could influence other states; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed similar legislation, and a Dartmouth College study estimated 10 major companies caused $28 trillion in climate damage.