On January 8, CCSNJ Director of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee in opposition to S3545, the “Climate Superfund Bill.” In her testimony, Ms. Chebra raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on South Jersey, a region that is home to one of New Jersey’s two remaining refineries.

Ms. Chebra emphasized that the legislation would impose retroactive liability on businesses for conduct that was lawful at the time, critical to economic development, and consistent with both federal and state energy policies.

Although a committee substitute removed refineries from the bill, Ms. Chebra cautioned that the legislation could still have significant downstream impacts on refinery operations and the broader regional economy.

The bill was released from committee by a 9–4 vote and now awaits consideration by the full Senate. However, Committee Chair Senator Sarlo indicated that the measure is unlikely to receive a final vote during the current legislative session.

To read an Op-Ed on the bill by CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna and NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka, click here.

To read the CCSNJ testimony, click here.